Symbolical meaning of Oranges in Not just Oranges By Isai Tobolsky?

Answer 1

In the story, Not Just Oranges, at the end the Old lady returns the oranges given by the Mother back by placing them on the girl's bed.

Here, in the earlier part of the story we that Mother was given left off things from the patients and at times she was given even oranges. This means that oranges in her place are revered and eaten only by the rich.

So when, Lady Malachov who was surprised to see such gifts given to her by a poor lady, she was embarrassed and realized her mistake.

The author aptly named the story Not just Oranges but they are "gifts of harmony" which are given. In the story we also see the forgiveness of Malachovs (she comes to return the ball) and also the thankfulness of the Mother.

They symbolically tell us that we must live with mutual understanding with the world and the society no matter rich or poor.