* The "Flush" itself: The title, "Flush," symbolizes the rapid pace and careless consumption of modern life, where we are constantly discarding things and people without much thought. The "flush" also represents the environmental damage caused by our waste and disregard for the natural world.
* The "Big Dump": The massive landfill where the book's protagonist, the "No-Neck" (a man with a severe case of scoliosis), works, symbolizes the vast amount of waste we produce and our indifference to its impact on the environment. It also stands as a reminder of the exploitation of the working class by large corporations.
* The "Rainbow River" and "The Everglades": These natural settings in the book serve as symbols of beauty, fragility, and the importance of preserving our environment. The polluted "Rainbow River" reflects the negative consequences of human activities, while the threatened "Everglades" represents the delicate balance of nature and our responsibility to protect it.
* The "Big Boy": This monstrous, genetically modified catfish represents the dangers of tampering with nature for profit. It symbolizes the greed of corporations and the potential for unforeseen consequences of such practices.
* The "No-Neck" and "The Fat Boy": These two characters are symbolic of the human cost of societal pressures and consumerism. The "No-Neck" represents the exploited working class, struggling to survive in a system designed to benefit the wealthy. The "Fat Boy" embodies the excesses of consumerism and the health problems it can lead to.
* The "Seahorse": The tiny seahorse found in the polluted river represents the resilience of nature and its ability to adapt, even in the face of adversity. It also symbolizes the importance of recognizing the value of even the smallest creatures and the interconnectedness of all living things.
These are just some examples of symbolism in "Flush." Hiaasen uses these symbols to create a powerful critique of modern society and to highlight the need for environmental awareness and social justice. The book's satirical tone and use of symbolism make it an engaging and thought-provoking read that stays with the reader long after they finish the last page.