“Symbol: a symbol is a word or object that stands for another word or object. The object or word can be seen with the eye or not visible.”
Example: “He seemed so desperate in his determination that I had to speak. ‘You don’t owe us anything.’ I said. ‘Lots of times we have folks in for meals and’ Father’s hand was on my shoulder. ‘No, Bob. He doesn’t mean meals.’ Father was smiling, but he was having to blink several times together and I would have sworn that his eyes were misty. He stood in silence now, not moving, watching Shane.” (18) Schaefer, Shane
Context: In Jack Schaefer’s novel, Shane, a gentle stranger approaches the home of the narrator, Bob Starrett. Initially only stopping by for a turn at the water pump, Shane is invited to stay…show more content… The purpose of this symbol is to illustrate the newly forming relationship between Joe and Shane, and how both wholeheartedly put their trust into each other’s hands. Not only does the eliminating of the stump become the knot that ties them together, it also shows Shane’s resoluteness in helping Joe overcome a hardship he has long pondered. As Joe Starrett watches Shane destroy the tree’s roots, Bob hurries to tell their guest that he “‘[doesn’t] owe us anything...lots of times we have folks in for meals.’”Joe, however, recognizes Shane’s reasons behind helping him and concludes to his son that “‘He doesn’t mean meals.’” (18) Shane, although essentially a stranger, helps Joe beat a longtime obstacle he could never cross himself as repayment for Joe giving him his trust. By helping Joe break down his barrier, Shane shows his appreciation for him and forges their new friendship. The two men’s work in the removal of the stump serves as a bond of closeness between them. Shane’s and Joe’s cooperation in removing the tree stump represents their trust and admiration despite the small time the two men have known each…show more content… This far in the novel, the friendship and trust built between Joe and Shane through the destruction of the tree pushes the plot of the story by giving Shane a reason to stay at the farm to help Joe. Their companionship becomes something to develop upon further in the novel, not only plotwise but themewise as well. The new relationship between the two allows Schaefer to build upon the theme of companionship, showing the type of confidence characters have for each other. The fact that Shane went out of his way to help Joe in return for his trust and kindness, shows his selfless and friendly qualities and also reveals his slowtojudge personality when it comes to new friends. Shane’s outer shell is uncovered to show that, like every other person, he puts his trust in people that offer it to him. Joe and Shane form a bond during the conflict with Ledyard that is further reinforced with the destruction of the stump and Shane “knows I’m (Joe is) in a spot and he’s not the man to leave me there. Nobody’ll push him around or scare him away.” (33) This characterization of Shane once again sheds light on his appreciation for Joe’s exchange of trust and is willing to stand up for him against anything and help him with everything even if he has only known him for a few days. Shane’s initial outer shell is uncovered to reveal his perseverance in friends and his value for true companionship. The trust and overcoming of obstacles by Joe and Shane show more