What does the pound cake symbol in What do fish have to do with anything?

In "What Do Fish Have to Do with Anything?" by A. L. Smith, the pound cake symbolizes comfort and the simple pleasures of life. It serves as a reminder of the protagonist’s childhood and the warmth of familial connections. The cake represents the idea that small, everyday joys can provide solace amidst life's complexities and challenges. Ultimately, it highlights the importance of finding happiness in the mundane.