Recently I went and saw "Up" for the second time, and was trying to figure out the symbolism for each of the characters in relation to the main character, Carl Fredrickson.
In a certain way, Kevin, Russell, and Dug can all stand for increased responsibility for Carl. They are all obstacles in the way of keeping his promise to Ellie to live at Paradise Falls. Carl is determined to drag his house to the right place, but keeps getting sidetracked by these characters he meets along the way. He must make the choice to forget them to live up to his promise, or to do what Ellie really wants him to do, which is have a new adventure with someone after she is gone.
But, do these characters stand for something more? Does Russell stand for family? Does Dug stand for someone (or something) that you must take care of--that depends on you? Does Kevin stand for Nature (with a capital N)?
I honestly could not figure this out, but will think about it some more when I buy the movie.
