What is an example of symbolism in the book, X: A Novel?

Solitary confinement, which is referred to as "the hole" (324) is symbolic of Malcolm's rock bottom. His life has been in a steady decline since he began committing crimes in Roxbury, and he is now facing the consequences. He lashes out in prison, and is sent to solitary confinement where he realizes how far he has strayed from the convictions his parents instilled in him when he was young. Upon receiving this punishment, Malcolm thinks, "I am in the hole already. They imply a deeper hole, a deeper shame, but my shame cannot go any deeper" (324).