The speaker of the poem functions as an observant, contemplative voice noticing the complex dependencies within the everyday world. Emerging with the first-person pronoun "I" in the eighth stanza, the speaker reveals a desire for a modest, authentic form of recognition based on mutual reliance rather than celebrity. Acting as a stand-in for the poet, the speaker finds contentment in quietly elevating ordinary objects and establishing genuine ties with everyday people.

Addressed in the second person, the reader represents the everyday people the speaker wishes to reach, such as smiling pedestrians or children in grocery store lines. The reader acts as the necessary recipient of the poem's observations. By participating in this dynamic, the reader completes the cycle of mutual appreciation that the speaker defines as true fame.

The fish serves as a symbolic subject in the speaker's meditation on the interconnected design of nature. Relying entirely on the river for survival, the fish represents individuals who are immersed in their daily routines. It stands as an example of those who depend on, but may not fully appreciate, the environments that sustain them.

The pulley is a simple, unornamented machine designed to perform the critical work of defying gravity and elevating objects. It functions as a mechanical representation of the poet's own labor. Much like the poet converting an inert object into a powerful image, the pulley creates motion and elevation without seeking fanfare or attention.