The Discus Thrower by Richard Selzer is symbolic in characterization. The nameless patient in “Rom 542” stands for an everyman in his society. His blindness shows that he is a man in darkness. And darkness is upon the face of the modern society. His legless condition shows that he has lost his freedom of action in the so-called land of liberty. His ironic words imply his indignation at his adverse fortune. The crack of the broken plate symbolizes a hope for the span-new life. The doctor-narrator represents a common toiler who supports the society. The head nurse represents a ruler in the modern western world. The symbolic meanings reflect the author’s careful observation and meditation on the existent society. The nameless patient in “Rom 542 ” stands for an everyman in his society. His blindness that that is a man in darkness. And darkness is upon the face of the modern society His legless condition shows that he has lost his freedom of action in the so-called land of liberty. His ironic words imply his indignation at his adverse fortune. The crack of the broken plate symbolizes a hope for the span-new life. The The head nurse represents a ruler in the modern western world. The symbolic meanings reflect the author’s careful observation and meditation on the existent society.