The Dreamer

The hole in Neftalí’s fence symbolizes human connection, especially connection achieved through shared words or a communal imaginative spirit. In Neftalí’s imagination, the hole in the fence becomes a porthole through which he can envision alternate realities, like one in which a friend lives next door. The hole does bring him a friend—of sorts—in the toy sheep. By exchanging his pinecone for the toy sheep, Neftalí also creates a symbolic connection. The “Author’s Note” quotes Neruda saying of the event:

That exchange brought home […] a precious idea: that all of humanity is somehow together […] Just as I once left the pinecone by the fence, I have since left my words on the door of so many people who were unknown to me, people in prison, or hunted, or alone (365).

As Neftalí’s pinecone brought a “gasp of appreciation” to whoever was on the other side of the fence, creating a connection between strangers, his writing will someday create connections to the hearts and minds of people all over the world.

The toy sheep symbolizes Neftalí’s inner self. When Neftalí feels alone and unloved, like when he’s bullied at school or unable to improve his math grades to please his father, he gives affection to the sheep.