Theme: Our inability to let go of our dreaded past and struggle to find our self-worth clouds our view of any positive future, but we can clear this clouded view by broadening our focal point beyond the limitations of the past.
Symbols/Motifs:
The white dog: As the image of a white dog appears multiple times throughout this story, we begin to notice its significance. The first time the white dog “appears” is right after Bunny talks to Quoyle about Petal’s death (46). The dog’s timely appearance and Bunny’s frightening reaction shows how the dreadful past continues to linger upon Bunny. Also, the fact that the reappearing dogs are white represent a ghost like figure from the past that currently haunts the present. While Bunny, Sunshine, and Quoyle were on the boat, Bunny claimed she spotted another white dog, and describe it as “the wave surged and the dog rose with it (150).” Later, Quoyle too …show more content…
From the very beginning, as early as page five, eggs are used to reference Quoyle’s “eyes like glass eggs.” Like many stories, eggs are the classic symbol of rebirth. The fact that his eyes are referred to as glass eggs symbolize his early potential to begin a new life. However, the word glass refers to Quoyle’s life as being fragile. Later on, we come to realize this fragility is due to the fact that he has had a rough past, and is unable to move on eaisly. This miserable past of Quoyle’s is also symbolized by the two brown eggs Petal gives to Quoyle as a Christmas gift (281). Because these eggs were cold and given by Petal, we understand they only symbolize an illusion of hope for a better future. However, Quyole fails to see any meaning beyond the egg besides Petal’s so called “generosity.” Since the story of these eggs were presented to the reader towards the end of the story, we can see the foreshadowing effect it had on Quoyle’s life of renewal in
Symbols/Motifs:
The white dog: As the image of a white dog appears multiple times throughout this story, we begin to notice its significance. The first time the white dog “appears” is right after Bunny talks to Quoyle about Petal’s death (46). The dog’s timely appearance and Bunny’s frightening reaction shows how the dreadful past continues to linger upon Bunny. Also, the fact that the reappearing dogs are white represent a ghost like figure from the past that currently haunts the present. While Bunny, Sunshine, and Quoyle were on the boat, Bunny claimed she spotted another white dog, and describe it as “the wave surged and the dog rose with it (150).” Later, Quoyle too …show more content…
From the very beginning, as early as page five, eggs are used to reference Quoyle’s “eyes like glass eggs.” Like many stories, eggs are the classic symbol of rebirth. The fact that his eyes are referred to as glass eggs symbolize his early potential to begin a new life. However, the word glass refers to Quoyle’s life as being fragile. Later on, we come to realize this fragility is due to the fact that he has had a rough past, and is unable to move on eaisly. This miserable past of Quoyle’s is also symbolized by the two brown eggs Petal gives to Quoyle as a Christmas gift (281). Because these eggs were cold and given by Petal, we understand they only symbolize an illusion of hope for a better future. However, Quyole fails to see any meaning beyond the egg besides Petal’s so called “generosity.” Since the story of these eggs were presented to the reader towards the end of the story, we can see the foreshadowing effect it had on Quoyle’s life of renewal in