A battered little chappie on the stock exchange mean

It does refer to failure but there can be other meanings.

i think the correct answer would be adjustments in life roles.  this causes for one to adjust or change totally his/her career or lifestyle since the present is not beneficial to the life role he is at. for instance, you became a mother you would of course stop going to malls and enjoying life outside. you would be staying at home taking care of your child.

the symbol of the grandfather's heritage in this excerpt from "the medicine bag,” is the beaded bolo tie.

a bolo tie is a cord fastened around the neck with an ornamental clasp which is worn as a necktie. they have been used by native american tribes such as hopi, navajo, zuni, and puebloans since the mid-20th century.

therefore, the fact that the grandfather is wearing a bolo tie refers to his heritage as native american.