Sea Of Fire Metaphors

The chapter presents the idea of a symbol being open to a diverse range of meanings and interpretations. In the novel, a 133-carat diamond the size of a pigeon’s egg known as the “Sea of Flames” provides a flow to the story by carrying a multitude of meanings.

The Sea of Flames propels the dramatic tension in the novel, symbolizing tragedy, chaos vs fate, destiny vs freewill, and fear of the unknown that surround the story. When first introduced, the precious gem is said to hold an ancient and dreadful curse: any person that has possession of the diamond will enjoy immortality, but everyone that they hold dear will fall victim to tragedy and even death. Aside from the tragedy of war and although the veracity of the curse is never revealed, misfortune is undoubtedly present for those surrounding Marie-Laure, the beholder of the diamond. Family, friends and even strangers that closely engage with the girl disappear and die, Marie technically being the only survivor when the ending arrives.

By the end of the novel, Doerr suggests that the Sea of Flames is no more than an utterly banal object- just a piece of carbon that has been crystallized into an aesthetically pleasing “thing”. The crossed paths between Marie-Laure and Werner could represent nothing but a coincidence in the middle of the chaotic war (just a random piece of carbon) but it could be argued that such encounter was meant to be, proving the existence of fate (an enchanted diamond). Doerr does not establish a particular point of view, thus the Sea of Flames is both ordinary and