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Symbols are objects, characters, figures, and colors used to represent abstract ideas or concepts.
Burqas and Veils
Burqas and veils symbolize the restriction and control over women’s lives Malala observes around her. While Malala enjoys seeing women in their beautiful scarves, including her own mother, she chooses not to follow the tradition of covering herself once she reaches a certain age. Malala feels not only that burqas are uncomfortable to wear, but that they rob women of their individual identities and divide women from the rest of the world. In spite of her strong feelings about veils, Malala decides to wear one starting in February of 2009 so that she can return to school after Fazlullah forbade it. After explaining why she chooses not to observe Purdah, Malala’s decision to wear a veil shows how much she values going to school. Although she does not agree that women should cover themselves, Malala will not sacrifice going to school for that belief. This also shows her willingness to compromise to a certain point.
Books
Malala views education as a path to freedom from the restrictive aspects of her culture and the ignorance that has allowed bad politicians to take advantage of Pakistani people. Books are the practical tools that allow her to pursue this freedom. When the family leaves Swat Valley and becomes internally displaced persons, Malala must leave behind her books. She worries about their safety as she might worry about good friends, showing their importance in her life. Her books give her hope for the future because they provide her with the knowledge she needs to effect positive change in the world. Malala believes that uneducated people cannot fully understand and assess the actions of those in power because they do not have the context needed to make these judgments. This issue becomes the crux of Malala’s activism. Initially, her work focuses on equal education for boys and girls in Pakistan. Ultimately, her goal becomes improving education all over the world.
Swat Valley
Swat Valley, a lush, green section of Pakistan, is the only home Malala knows for most of her youth. It symbolizes in its beauty the potential for Pakistan if its citizens can overcome corrupt leadership. Its peaceful beauty and strong community ties combined with her parents’ unorthodox encouragement provide an idyllic childhood where Malala can build an appreciation for her culture while also recognizing its flaws. Relatives from both the maternal and paternal sides of her family come from Swat, which gives Malala a sense of connection to the land that makes the Taliban’s seizure of Swat Valley feel incredibly unjust. The valley boasts a long and varied history. Alexander the Great swept through in 327 B.C., and residents left behind centuries-old statues of Buddha. The Taliban destroys all of that along with Malala’s idea of home as a safe place when they take hold of Swat, destroy the ancient statues, and turn the valley so violent that the family must flee. Even in England, where the family enjoys convenience and security, they still consider Swat to be their home. Regardless of how it was changed by violence, Swat will always symbolize the potential for a peaceful Pakistan.
