Symbolism

I haven’t noticed much symbolism in the novel really; I think I have to analyze it a bit more. However after some consideration about a certain event in chapter six, I thought it may fall under a heading of symbolism. On page 110, August has Jacob feed the cats. He tells him to feed Rex, a lion with no teeth. Jacob is unaware that he has no teeth, and therefore when the cat bites his arm, he screams. August ensures Jacob this was a joke, but he does not find it funny. I think Rex may symbolize August in a way. For example, Rex is deceiving, and so is August. Rex looks harmful but he has no teeth, so he can’t harm you as much. August at first is charming and gracious, yet turns out to “have teeth” as he is aggressive and angry.