1. Transition and Change: The story begins with a family's journey from Calcutta to London. This transition from land to sea symbolizes the family's major life change and the unknown future ahead.
2. Separation and Unity: The family is separated during the journey, with the father and son on land and the mother and daughter at sea. This separation represents the distance and disconnect they experience, both physically and emotionally. However, the family eventually reunites, showing that despite the challenges, their unity remains strong.
3. Loss and Belonging: The story depicts the loss of homeland and the challenges of adapting to a new place. The characters feel like strangers in London, a foreign land, and struggle to find a sense of belonging. The sea becomes a symbol of their rootlessness and longing for their homeland.
4. Exploration and Discovery: The family's exploration of London, a new and unfamiliar place, parallels the characters' journey of self-discovery. As they navigate the city and interact with different people, they uncover their own strengths, vulnerabilities, and desires.
5. Dreams and Reality: The sea is often associated with dreams and fantasies, representing the characters' hopes and aspirations for a better future. However, the reality they encounter in London is different from their idealized dreams, highlighting the gap between desires and the complexities of life.
6. Transformation and Growth: The story follows the characters over several years, showcasing their personal transformations. As they adapt to their new environment, they learn, grow, and gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their family dynamics. The journey from land to sea and back to land reflects the cycle of change and growth.
Overall, the symbols of "land" and "sea" in "Another Place, Another Time" carry multiple layers of meaning, underscoring themes of transition, separation, unity, loss, belonging, exploration, dreams, and transformation.