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