Symbolism in the Child by Tiger

Thomas Wolfe’s short story, “The Child by Tiger,” really digs into some heavy stuff about people, right and wrong, and the darker sides of society. Wolfe uses a lot of symbols to get these ideas across. These symbols help paint a picture of how people act and what society expects from them.

One big symbol in the story is Dick Prosser, who’s a black servant. At first, he seems really innocent and nice. The kids like him because he’s kind and good at sports.

His calm manner and strong faith make him seem pure, like a child. But then, out of nowhere, he goes on a violent spree, showing a wild side, like a “tiger.” This change shows that everyone has a dark side, making us rethink the simple idea of good and evil.

Another important symbol is the tiger itself, which pops up a lot in the story. Tigers are powerful and wild, right? Wolfe uses the tiger to show the raw, primal instincts that Prosser hides inside. The tiger makes you feel both awe and fear. It reminds us that beneath civilization, there’s a wild force that can come out anytime. The story’s set in a quiet Southern town, making the sudden violence even more shocking. It shows how thin the line is between order and chaos.

The gun Prosser carries is another strong symbol. It’s not just about violence; it also shows the power struggles in society. Given the racial tensions in the South, a black man with a gun is a big deal. It stands for rebellion and defiance against an unfair system. Prosser uses the gun to get back at those who’ve wronged him, showing how systemic racism can push people to extreme actions. So, the gun symbolizes both power and destruction, highlighting the dual nature of humans.

Wolfe also uses the moon as a symbol. The moon, which changes and has cycles, reflects Prosser’s shift from a nice guy to a dangerous one. When the moon shows up at key moments, it adds to the story’s sense of doom. The moon’s phases can be seen as a metaphor for the ongoing cycle of violence and the fight between good and evil inside us. The pale, cold light of the moon contrasts with the warm sun, showing the difference between how things seem and how they really are.

All in all, “The Child by Tiger” is packed with symbolism. Wolfe carefully picks each symbol to help us understand the deep themes in the story. Through characters, objects, and nature, he tells a tale that makes us face some hard truths about human nature and society. The story sticks with you because it makes you think about your own views on innocence, violence, and morality. Wolfe not only tells a gripping story but also gives us a deep look at what it means to be human.

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