Xiangzi's relentless pursuit of owning a rickshaw represents his yearning for freedom and a way to rise above his impoverished condition. He believes that owning this symbol of independence will liberate him from the control of others and allow him to determine his own destiny. However, Lao She masterfully depicts how societal structures, poverty, and exploitation constantly thwart Xiangzi's aspirations, revealing the heartbreaking reality that true freedom remains elusive for those at the bottom of the social hierarchy.

As Xiangzi confronts repeated setbacks and tragedies, his initial hope and optimism gradually give way to despair. The weight of poverty, betrayal, and the loss of his loved ones crushes his spirit, pushing him towards a bleak and cynical outlook. Lao She poignantly illustrates how the human spirit can be broken by relentless hardship, leading to resignation and the loss of one's moral compass.

Through Xiangzi's experiences, Lao She exposes the harsh realities of social inequality and the exploitation of the vulnerable in early 20th century China. Rickshaw pullers, despite their backbreaking labor, are trapped in a cycle of poverty, subject to the whims of wealthy customers and powerful figures like Tiger Girl. Xiangzi's story serves as a microcosm of the struggles faced by countless individuals who are marginalized and exploited within a system rigged against them.