How does the author use symbolism in the story, The Years, Months, Days?

The corn stalk that the Elder takes so much represents how the older generations sacrifice everything they have in order to ensure a future for the younger generations. The Elder stays behind in order to plant a corn stalk that is supposed to provide seeds for the villagers when they return to the village in the future. He slaves every day so that the stalk does not die, bringing it water, building it shade, and protecting it from the wind so that it will continue to grow and produce an ear that will produce seeds to be used when the village returns. The Elder forgoes feeding and watering himself so that the cornstalk will have plenty of water to survive the severe drought that has taken over the land. This stalk signifies the future and the younger generation of villagers that will come after him. He nurtures it so that the future will continue to grow. That is seen at the end of the novella when famine takes over the village again and seven young men stay behind to grow other corn stalks from the seeds that were produced from the corn stalk the Elder took care of. His sacrifice provided resources for the future generation to keep on living and keep traditions alive.