In the novel Tuck Everlasting, the toad that appears throughout the story is a symbol of change and transformation. The toad is introduced early in the story as a creature that is capable of changing its shape and form, shedding its skin and emerging in a new and different way.
As the story progresses, the toad becomes a metaphor for the changes that the characters experience as they grapple with the idea of immortality. The toad is a reminder that change is a natural and necessary part of life, and that without it, we risk becoming stagnant or trapped in a single form or way of being.
In this sense, the toad represents the idea that growth and transformation are essential to living a full and meaningful life. It also suggests that the pursuit of immortality or eternal life is ultimately futile, as it denies the natural cycle of birth, growth, and death that is an integral part of the human experience.