In "the Legend of Sleepy Hollow", How has the author used symbolism to reveal character and develop the plot?

With his great brawn and "rough chivalry" that could carry
matters to open warfare, Brom Bones represents the country man, the rough new American. 
His foil, Ichabod Crane, with his "spindle neck" and long narrow head, Ichabod much
resembles the bird of his surname,

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tall and lanky, with narrow shoulders, long arms
and legs, and a long snipe
nose.... 

He is a native of
Connecticut, "a state which supplies the Union with pioneers for the mind as well as for
the forest."  Crane is the intellectual who teaches and who reads Coton Mather's
History of New England Witchcraft.  He is symbolic of the colonial
Americans who were more cultured and educated, albeit not as physical.  Not so far
removed from the English, Crane harbors much of their supersititous
nature. 

As a guest of Katrina Van Tassel, Ichabod is too
far removed from his native land. His struggles to control his appetite and to use his
imagination properly represents and reflects the struggles of the new society to behave
maturely. When the head of the horseman is hurled at Ichabod by Brom playing the
Hessian Horseman, the gesture is symbolic of the contention that brawn is more important
than brains.  But, the high spirited Crane has a "happy mixture of pliability and
perseverance in his nature."  But, finally, he is terrified on his return
home.