In, “Grandfather,” by Gary Soto, the author uses imagery of the tree over the years, symbolism of the avocado tree, and negative connotation to convey a theme of growing up and the passage of time. This passage follows the journey of the speaker’s grandfather’s avocado tree relating to his own life. The first literary device used to show passage of time is imagery and symbolism. In the passage, Soto says, “His favorite tree, the avocado, which had started in a jam jar from a seed and three toothpicks lanced in its sides, rarely bore fruit,” (Paragraph 2, Soto). This shows a rough start with little resources to foster a life. “Grew from a jam jar,” represents the poor family background. The start of this avocado’s life closely mirrors that
