Use Of Symbols In The Novel 'How To Read Literature Like A Professor'

Jessica O’Reilly 8/15/16

And the Mountains Echoed - Summer Reading Essay Period 2

All forms of literature consist of patterns that can be discovered through critical and analytical reading, observing and comparing. Many patterns are discussed in the novel, How to Read Literature like a Professor, by Thomas C. Foster. Among these patterns, he discusses the use of symbolism and the representation something can have for a different, underlying aspect of a piece of literature. These symbols tend to have multiple meanings and endless interpretations depending on who is reading and analyzing them. No matter

what meaning, symbols help develop different characters and themes throughout the literary works. Among many examples of literature that use this writing strategy, And the Mountains Echoed, by Khaled Hosseini, is a prime example, with multiple uses of symbols. The symbols used in this novel have more than one meaning and develop some of the many connected characters while supporting the theme of family and the effects of these relationships.

Different people understand and interpret the same symbols in varying ways due to different viewpoints and judgements. This results in most symbols having more than one possible meaning. As Foster explains, “..some symbols have a relatively limited range of meanings but in general a symbol can’t be reduced to standing for only one thing,” (Foster, 105).This idea that symbols hold multiple meanings is true for the symbols in Hosseini’s novel such as the mask Thalia wears to cover the scar on her face. One of these meanings, that it represents Madeline’s humiliation of her daughter, Thalia, is hinted at in the novel. This is implied when Markos thinks, “I understood what Mama already seen. That the mask had been for Madeline’s benefit. To save her embarrassment and shame,” (Hosseini, 335). The mask was used to hide the imperfection in her daughter that Madeline was ashamed of. This allows the mask to represent these negative feelings toward Thalia and of Madeline's efforts to hide any flaws in her life. In addition to this meaning, the mask could also represent Thalia’s crutch, something holding her back from fulfilling her potential. This is shown by Thalia not feeling comfortable doing normal things until she took the mask off for good and was able to go to an actual school, make friends and eventually even feel that the scar was a part of her that she didn’t want fixed. There could be many more meanings behind the mask with each different viewpoint, which is supported by Foster’s ideas and discussion of the pattern of symbolism.

The symbols presented in Hosseini’s novel, are great examples of Foster’s teachings on how symbols can have multiple meanings.

Foster discusses that, “Symbols, though, generally don’t work so neatly. The thing referred to is likely not reducible to a single statement but will more probably involve a range of possible meanings and interpretations,” (Foster,105). This idea is shown through the different meanings the box of feathers, given by Abdullah to Pari, holds.This object which out of context would seem confusing and even bizarre, can be interpreted to represent Abdullah’s immense love for his sister. Abdullah first helped Pari collect the feathers when they were very young and then kept them for many years in hopes he would be able to give it to Pari and also to show he never forgot about her. This is shown when Pari receives the note attached to the feathers from Abdullah that reads, “They tell me I must wade into waters, where I will soon drown. Before I march in, I leave this on the shore for you. I pray you find it, sister, so you know what was in my heart as I went under,” (Hosseini, 418). This was written the same time Abdullah was diagnosed with Alzheimers and he is saying soon he will not be the same and able to remember her because his old, healthy self will “drown”. This note shows his love for his sister and that he was always thinking of her, especially since the letter was attached to the feathers which are a symbol of this love. This example also supports another possible meaning for the box of feathers, that it represents the end of their youth and relationship. Although Pari remembers Abdullah, she does not remember the feather’s importance and meaning. Also, Abdullah made the package for her when he was diagnosed with the disease that made him forget Pari and their relationship. Due to this disremember for both of them, the box of feathers could be interpreted in an almost opposite way as the other meaning. The box of feathers is an

example of Foster’s idea that a symbol has more than one meaning.

Symbolism helped develop both the characters and theme of this novel. The symbols help develop the theme that family can be either supportive or destructive, helpful or harmful, having either positive or negative effects on each other. For example, the mask shows that family can hold you back and limit your potential for their own sake. This is also shown multiple times throughout this novel, like when people take care of others, such as Pari with Baba and Nabi with Suleiman, instead of living their own lives. The mask represents the darker side to the family theme, it shows that family can sometimes hurt you more than help you, and can hold you back. The box of feathers represents the more positive side to the family theme and of the powerful, long lasting love that goes with it. In addition, these symbols develop certain characters. The mask helped develop characters by showing Madeline's true colors, allowing Thalia to be her real self, and for Markos to grow to the point he could look past the scar and become close with Thalia. The box of feathers develops Abdullah by showing he spent his whole life thinking of Pari and develops Pari by showing how she has lived her life not remembering all the details of her real family. Both the characters and theme of the novel were developed using symbolism.
Symbolism was significant in Hosseini’s work and supported the ideas presented in Foster’s novel. One of the main points about symbolism made by Foster was that most symbols have multiple meanings, which was supported by the mask, box of feathers and many other symbols throughout Hosseini’s novel. With these symbols and their many meanings, brought developments to characters and themes that advanced the plot and the reader's understanding of the novel in general. Foster’s novel discussed many patterns of literature, including symbolism, which was the prominent pattern in Hosseini’s novel.