Final answer:
The toffee apple symbol is not explicitly explained, but using context from similar literary examples, it might represent temptation, indulgence, or appearance versus reality, akin to how fruit signifies various themes like wealth, imperfection, and abundance.
Step-by-step explanation:
The toffee apple in the opening scene is not directly discussed in the provided passages, but symbolism in literature often pertains to deeper meanings behind objects used within a narrative. Considering the rich descriptions and the various symbolic elements presented, it can be inferred that the toffee apple could symbolize temptation, indulgence, or the contrast between appearance and reality.
This is similar to how fruit is used to signify wealth or fecundity in the Elizabeth Beardsley description, and how easily Georgiana's cheek, in another text, becomes a 'symbol of imperfection'. Similarly, the abundance of apples in Ichabod's world represents culinary plenty and foreshadows the lavishness that is yet to come in the story of Katrina Van Tassel's mansion.
These examples from literature showcase how common items, such as fruit, assume symbolic meanings that can range from personal flaws to societal abundance, or from personal confinement to the generous bounty of the earth. Therefore, a toffee apple could be representative of a multitude of concepts based on its context within a narrative.