the symbols used in the story are:

1. house and shops- it symbolizes Aksionov's family and material possessions
2. nightmare-it symbolizes a bad omen.
3. blood-stained knife- it indicates Aksionov's lack of control over his fate.
4. the prison- Aksionov's pain and subsequent mystical transformation are symbolized by the prison.
5. the book(the lives of the saints)- gives an impression of religiosity.

Balance on a bicycle is a matter of constantly correcting against falls, and it's easier when the speed is higher because the inertia of moving forward overcomes the need for corrective actions.

Makar disclosed that he had killed the merchant because he realized his mistake and Aksionov's suffering and now he wanted to make Aksionov release from the prison.