When the raven dies at his cave and he eats it, we might think that this casts Grenouille as a raven-like character, perhaps because ravens eat carrion and can symbolize death. Ravens also are known for leaving their offspring to die by starvation, which recalls Grenouille’s mother’s actions toward her own children. Later, when Grenouille makes a human odor using excrement and rotting food in addition to fresh scents, we are reminded of the dark and deadly aspects of human character.