What is an example of symbolism in the novel, The Witch Elm?

The iron candlestick which Toby uses to defend himself from his attackers in Chapter 1 symbolizes his agency. His first attempt to stand up for himself is thwarted as the candlestick is taken from him and used to brutalize him. Later, the candlestick is returned to him by Detective Martin, but Melissa throws out the candlestick with a plastic bag wrapped around it like a “garrote,” foreshadowing the reveal of Dominic Ganly’s cause of death and Toby’s subsequent realization that he had no part in protecting his cousins from Dominic Ganly, and that in fact his agency was again obstructed by their decision to murder him.