Final answer:
In literature, Santiago's "smell" might symbolize a pervasive issue or emotion that is difficult to remove, much like the Vicario twins' efforts to eliminate the smell could represent attempts to address a family secret or shame.
Step-by-step explanation:
In literature, smells often have a strong symbolic meaning, which can vary depending on the context in which they are used. Santiago's "smell" might symbolize something hidden, underlying tension, or a pervasive influence that cannot be easily removed or ignored. It could also represent a memory, an emotion, or a certain atmosphere. The Vicario twins' attempts to eliminate the smell could symbolize their efforts to eradicate the shame or secret they perceive as sullying their family's honor.
When addressing the problem of odor, whether the characters actively try to remove it or simply analyze its components, the smell often represents something that is powerfully pervasive and difficult to pinpoint or address. This can be a metaphor for an issue in a character's life or a societal problem.
An example of the latter can be found in the excerpt that describes how the smell pervades every part of the house and can be unexpectedly encountered, indicating that the issue at hand is not easily contained or resolved.