Topic > The use of symbols in Fireshadow - 1310

The use of symbols in Fireshadow In the novel “Fireshadow” symbols are used in different ways and in different contexts to suggest or represent something else without saying it directly. The symbols in “Fireshadow” add depth to the story and make you think about what is happening. This essay will examine the various ways in which symbols, such as fire, scars, and bush, are used for this purpose. The main symbol used in “Fireshadow” is fire. It is used throughout the book to show death, loss, fear, destruction, growth, and sterilization. “But the flames were too hungry, too angry, and the car burned. Steel and rubber and glass and flesh melted together, crackling and popping, and the heat forced him (Vinnie) back, even as he pushed into it, again and again. The pain burned across the exposed skin of his face and arms. His cry grew faint as more arms reached out from behind, dragging him back into the cool darkness. Page 18Vinnie loses his sister Katia in the car accident. She burned alive. “His hands trembled as he lit the match and watched the little spark take hold, first on the paper, then on the twigs. He held his breath; this was the first time since the accident that he had been near the fire, or even allowed himself to think about it. Already the heat was beginning to radiate and his scars tingled… The fire cast flickering shadows against the curtain of trees and Vinnie found himself staring at it, entranced. The dance of light upon darkness was familiar, terrifyingly so, and despite himself Vinnie was falling. Page 15Vinnie is constantly taken back to the night of the accident when he sees the fire. It makes him think of losing Katia and not being able to save her. “Cauterise, Erich. It's when you use a hot iron or flames to literally burn the infection out of the wound. It's something we have to do occasionally, and also when we desperately need to stop a bleeding." pg 36Fire is used to cauterize Günter's stump after his leg is amputated. This shows that fire is not always harmful , but can be used to sterilize." “I told you before, Erich, sometimes burning is all you can do.” “But surely, doctor, destruction…” “That's true, and destruction is often frightening. But fire also brings life. It clears away dead wood, makes room for new trees and plants. It's a paradox, Erich.