Describe symbolism in The Life You Save May Be Your Own by Flannery O'Connor

Symbolism is evident in the story as soon as the characters names and locations are mentioned. Mr. Shiftlet's name is a version of the word "shifty," which suggests someone secretive and dishonest. The old woman and her daughter share the last name of "Crater," suggestive of a deep hole in the earth that is immobile. Likewise, the old woman and her daughter are stuck, not having gone anywhere in a long time. With respect to the old woman, "crater" can signify a black hole, recognizant of her moral emptiness in negotiating with Mr. Shiftlet to pawn off her daughter, regardless of her daughter's well-being. Mr. Shiftlet, on the other hand, is a drifter, a world traveler who has never owned a car, but seeks to get to Mobile, presumably a place of movement. The car is also described as Mr. Shiftlet's "spirit", showing his desire to keep moving and lack of reliability/stability.