The birds in Fly Away Peter are the most noticeable symbol. They symbolise society and the different classes as there are various ranks with the birds. They also symbolise the freedom some people have to travel and migrate from place to place whereas others don’t have the ability to move far. They also symbolise life and hope for Jim as during the war he sees a few birds fly off, giving him the drive to keep going. take me to church ill worship like a dog on the sign of your life ill tell you my sins so you can sharpen your knife offer me my deathless death