Symbolism in writing is very important, and can create a tone for the reader and is often a portrayal of the themes the author is trying to convey. Karen Russell, author of “Vampires in the Lemon Grove”, has many different ways of conveying her messages throughout her stories. In the story “Reeling for the Empire”. The story has a strong theme of freedom, physical and mental freedom. Not only does Russel use colors for symbolism but she uses other methods as well. Russell uses red as a symbol of leadership, black as a symbol of regret, and green as a symbol of freedom. Throughout the story the use of colors is prevalent. The girls each have their own color that they produce with their thread. Dai, one of the main characters, has a thread
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Kitsune, unlike other girls, signed her own contract. In a sense, Kitsune signed herself away. Kitsune has a very regretful tone throughout the entire story. Originally, Kitsune’s thread is a bright green color. The turning point in the story is when Kitsune’s thread transforms into black. The transition of the tread is symbolic itself. The black color of the thread symbolizes the regret of Kitsune. “The night, I try an experiment. I let myself think the black thoughts all evening”(46). Kitsune begins to realize she can change the outcome of the thread she produces. The silk becomes stronger and blacker the more she thinks of her coming to the factory. Strength of regret and the inescapable power of the memories of her actions lead her to change her destiny and get revenge on the Agent. In a way it can be said that the black also symbolizes revenge, “my new threads are stronger and blacker than ever, silk of same nameless variety never belly-spun before”(46). The thread she produces aids her and the others in getting their revenge on the Agent. Literature resource center comments about the story: “‘Reeling for the Empire,’ in which young Japanese factory workers take quiet revenge on their employer, who has enslaved them as human silkworms” (n. pag.). The statement recognizes the workers’ silent revolution against the
Kitsune, unlike other girls, signed her own contract. In a sense, Kitsune signed herself away. Kitsune has a very regretful tone throughout the entire story. Originally, Kitsune’s thread is a bright green color. The turning point in the story is when Kitsune’s thread transforms into black. The transition of the tread is symbolic itself. The black color of the thread symbolizes the regret of Kitsune. “The night, I try an experiment. I let myself think the black thoughts all evening”(46). Kitsune begins to realize she can change the outcome of the thread she produces. The silk becomes stronger and blacker the more she thinks of her coming to the factory. Strength of regret and the inescapable power of the memories of her actions lead her to change her destiny and get revenge on the Agent. In a way it can be said that the black also symbolizes revenge, “my new threads are stronger and blacker than ever, silk of same nameless variety never belly-spun before”(46). The thread she produces aids her and the others in getting their revenge on the Agent. Literature resource center comments about the story: “‘Reeling for the Empire,’ in which young Japanese factory workers take quiet revenge on their employer, who has enslaved them as human silkworms” (n. pag.). The statement recognizes the workers’ silent revolution against the