Symbolism is such a powerful element in literature because interpretations of symbols vary depending on culture and personal experience. Recently, the Confederate flag caused issues because some saw the flag as their sign of heritage while others viewed it as a racist symbol. The same kind of debates can happen within literature, unless otherwise stated by the author. The way one interprets a symbol can drastically affect the story. Although context clues may guide a reader towards a certain conclusion, questions like “Is that really what he means?” can linger in the back of readers’ heads. Literary works are not the only influence on symbolism; personal experiences add layers to the interpretation of symbols and ambiguity. Edwidge Danticast
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At one point, Guy walks towards the balloon and lets go of his families hands. By letting go of their hands as he approached the balloon, Guy seems to leave them behind. Even his wife notices that “Guy was lost to her” as he approached the balloon (230). It is possible that Guy subconsciously knows he cannot take them to death, so he is letting go of them. As he stands separated from the balloon by a chain link fence, Guy pulls out a pocket knife and “sharpen[s] the edges on the metal surface of the fence” before his family draws near, and then he puts the knife away (231). This knife is another example of a possible symbol guiding the readers ultimate decision. Although a knife can simply be a tool for survival, many of my friends have used it for self harm. Based on my experience, anyone carrying a knife may have thoughts opposite of survival. The night before Guy’s incident, he tells his wife she’s “not one to worry about” and “can take things as they come” and then he questions how “a man is judged after he’s gone” (236-237). Guy seems to be telling Lili what will become of her, and then he asks what will become of him. Talk about the afterlife and his assurance that she is self sufficient may illustrate Guy’s desire to end his
At one point, Guy walks towards the balloon and lets go of his families hands. By letting go of their hands as he approached the balloon, Guy seems to leave them behind. Even his wife notices that “Guy was lost to her” as he approached the balloon (230). It is possible that Guy subconsciously knows he cannot take them to death, so he is letting go of them. As he stands separated from the balloon by a chain link fence, Guy pulls out a pocket knife and “sharpen[s] the edges on the metal surface of the fence” before his family draws near, and then he puts the knife away (231). This knife is another example of a possible symbol guiding the readers ultimate decision. Although a knife can simply be a tool for survival, many of my friends have used it for self harm. Based on my experience, anyone carrying a knife may have thoughts opposite of survival. The night before Guy’s incident, he tells his wife she’s “not one to worry about” and “can take things as they come” and then he questions how “a man is judged after he’s gone” (236-237). Guy seems to be telling Lili what will become of her, and then he asks what will become of him. Talk about the afterlife and his assurance that she is self sufficient may illustrate Guy’s desire to end his