The plane crash serves as a powerful symbol that sets the tone for the novel, introducing the theme of The Fragility of Life. Though neither of the pilots is hurt in the incident, while watching the incident in the early hours of the morning, Henry thinks of how quickly a life can end. The image of a burning plane falling from the sky hearkens to the live reports of the 9/11 attacks that the Western world watched together in horror. The plane crash symbolizes the political and social climate of the early 2000s, when fears surrounding terrorism ran high.

The plane crash represents the violence and upheaval wrought by war and terrorism, and the fear and uncertainty that these events generated in society. Furthermore, Henry sees footage of the crash again and again throughout his day, demonstrating the pervasiveness of modern media and the role it played in fostering an environment of fear and encouraging Islamophobic rhetoric.

The city of London in Saturday is a rich symbol that represents both the microcosm of individual lives and the macrocosm of broader social and political forces. Throughout his day, Henry observes again and again the activity occurring on the streets.