Essay On Symbolism In Tangerine

Life delivers many problems, which, even though bad, come with new experiences and life lessons. Symbolism is portrayed in all problems and can lead back to a certain event, or important memory in one’s life. Problems are shown throughout the novel Tangerine, a book written by Edward Bloor. These problems are symbolic references, and can be anything from muck fires to koi fish to sinkholes. Families never die, and neither do muck fires, chosen to represent perfect families without secrets or lies. The past determines the future, the end before a new beginning, and the sinkhole represents both. Chances are brought, but they can be taken away, and just like chances are the koi fish. Symbolism can be shown throughout the book Tangerine in muck fires, sinkholes and koi. Moving into their new home, the family is surprised to find muck fires when they walk out the door. Surprised at finding smoke outside, Paul and his mother call the fire department, and find out that “muck fires [do not] go out… [they are] burning all the time” (15). Why do these fires burn all the time? Muck fires are an important piece in this book for Paul, because it is one stable matter in Paul’s life, always burning, and never going out. Paul’s life has only been ups and downs; lies and misfortunes, and this is now one thing that will always stay the same. For the Fisher family, these muck fires hide no lies and carry no secrets, something that the family itself struggles with. For them, muck fires symbolize the …show more content…
Muck fires are the families that hold no secrets or lies; a family that last forever. Past and the future are like the end and a new beginning, and with the sinkhole comes a new beginning. Chances are given and taken away, just like the koi fish in Tangerine. Overall, the book Tangerine has many problems that can be symbolized into many lessons learned, like muck fires, sinkholes, and koi