What Does The Fence Symbolize In The Other Side

After reading the book, The Other Side, one can conclude the story is about two races (black and white) divided from each other by a fence. However, two girls, each of the opposite race, meet each other and form a bond. Thus, they use the fence to enjoy each other’s company instead of using it to keep them separated. After analyzing the story, the reader can determine the following: there are various examples of symbolism, the audience for this particular story is children, and the tone of the book is hopeful.

As stated in the paragraph above, there is evidence of symbolism within the book. The fence is a prime example of symbolism and is introduced in the first sentence: “That summer the fence that stretched through our town seemed bigger.” Although the fence is just an object, one can infer the fence is like an obstacle the two girls cope with: segregation. Instead of using the obstacle as something that gets in the way, the girls disregard their racial differences and use the fence to sit on it and enjoy time with each other; therefore, they use obstacle their races have

The writing style is exclusively elementary with sentences like: “Sometimes I stared back.” The book is for a younger audience; however, it’s likely a parent or guardian has read this to their child. This most likely means the author’s intention was to reach out to the parent/guardian as well. This book has an important message: people can overcome racial differences and use the obstacles to lift them higher. This is supported throughout the story, especially when Clover states: “That summer me and Annie sat together on that fence. And whenever Sandra looked at me funny, I just made believe I didn’t care.” This lesson is something children should know; however, parents need to know this lesson as well to help their child further understand the significance of prevailing over racial