Symbols are objects, characters, figures, or colors
used to represent abstract ideas or concepts.
The Notebook
The notebook represents Jefferson’s reconnection with
his humanity, a reconciliation facilitated by Grant. By writing
down his thoughts, Jefferson reflects upon his position in an unjust
world and begins to think seriously about his life. The notebook
also symbolizes the reciprocal friendship between Grant and Jefferson.
Grant gives Jefferson the notebook, symbolizing his desire to teach
Jefferson and help Jefferson teach himself. Jefferson writes in
the notebook as if writing a letter to Grant, which suggests that
Jefferson looks to Grant for guidance even when alone in his cell.
Finally, the notebook symbolizes hope for future collaboration not
just between blacks, but between blacks and whites—for Paul, the
white deputy, delivers the book to Grant and asks to shake Grant’s
hand.
The Chair
When it arrives in a large black truck, the chair
in which Jefferson must die evokes many different reactions from
people in the town. The truck drives slowly through the town, and
everyone comes out to see it. Some fear the chair. Some become nauseous
looking at it or thinking about it. Some treat it with great care
and hesitate to joke about it. Others, specifically white men, joke
about using it to warn black men to watch their steps. The chair
symbolizes the violence of the unjust system that convicted Jefferson.
It also represents the fear that racism instills.
The Church
The church symbolizes the hope that society will change.
Miss Emma, Tante Lou, and Reverend Ambrose believe that God helps them—they
use this belief to comfort themselves in the face of prejudice and
injustice. In the reverend’s eyes, when Grant unconditionally rejects
God and the church, he rejects the possibility that anything can
be done to improve society. Reverend Ambrose confronts
Grant in Chapter 27, asking him, “You think
a man can’t kneel and stand?” The reverend suggests that kneeling
before God does not humble people, it gives them dignity. When Grant
recognizes that his rejection of the church stems from his own inability
to engage actively with his community, he moves closer to a -dignified
existence.
Food and Drink
Characters use food to symbolize their affection for one
another. Miss Emma brings food for Jefferson; when he refuses to
eat it, Grant takes the refusal seriously as an expression
of Jefferson’s anger at his family and begs him to eat in order
to show Miss Emma that he loves her. When Grant becomes angry with
Tante Lou, he insults her by refusing to eat her cooking. Grant
offers to bring Jefferson ice cream and asks his students to gather
peanuts and pecans as a gift for Jefferson. At the pivotal moment
when Jefferson starts teaching Grant, he offers Grant food as a
way of showing his -affection.
