What Are The Symbols In The Memory Keeper's Daughter

1737 Words4 Pages

Written by Kim Edwards, The Memory Keeper’s Daughter tells a story filled with secrets, lies, and heartwarming love—secrets that would tear relationships apart and form unbreakable walls, but also secrets that would allow a tremendous abundance of love to build in unexpected places. Set over a span of twenty-five years, the novel explores many different characters and their true colors, some more surprising than you think, in order to portray the complex story. David Henry is arguably the most influential character in the story; his decision to lie to his wife and tell her that one of the twins she had just delivered, Phoebe, died at birth when in reality he sent her away due to her Down Syndrome changed the course of multiple lives forever. …show more content…

The symbol that appeared in multiple scenes was the snow. The snow represented a state of complexity and danger, always occuring when a situation is out of the characters’ control; a situation both literally and figuratively cold. For example, snow was falling the night Phoebe was born and the night is referenced numerous times throughout the book, all of which mention the snow. The snow was not only physically dangerous, but it also fell slowly outside while David made the decision that would alter their lives forever. Snow also appeared when David was beginning to have a mental breakdown with the feelings of guilt and shame. He was walking the streets of his childhood town tired both physically and mentally, and walks where “snow lingered, broken through with weeds and debris.” When he finally arrived at his childhood home, he walks through the empty rooms but notices paper cutouts everywhere; more specifically, snowflakes hung down from ceilings and windows. The presence of snow in these scenes contributed to the unwelcoming environment, and the sense of animosity regarding his difficult …show more content…

There were several lies that unfolded throughout the story, each one having its own consequences. The main secret in the novel is the one that David and Caroline keep for years, that Phoebe is alive. This secret tears David’s marriage apart and causes years of guilt and pain for his whole family. Norah’s lies regarding her affairs not only caused a divide between her and her husband, but also with her son as well. All of the major conflicts in the novel revolve around the lies and secrets that are held between the main characters. Love is also a major motif. Norah’s love for her daughter, although she never met her, was so strong that it left her depressed for years after her death. David’s love for Norah was the reason why he lied to her in the first place; he wanted to protect her. Caroline’s love for Phoebe allowed her to live happily with her for years and was the best decision she had ever made. Finally, Phoebe’s unconditional love for every person she meets shines bright and allows her to touch the lives of many

Open Document