The Foundling Grandfather

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Recommended: The influence of history in the American literature

Symbolism is used to convey the message that Brazil mistakes a burden for a reward, as he is encumbered with the mission to find his family’s history by himself when Lucy dies, emphasizing that African-Americans had to work and labor to uncover their own heritage and history. 'The hole’ (Parks,185) symbolizes history in general, and throughout Brazil and Lucy's conversation, Brazil is digging through the hole with the intent to uncover parts of African-American history that were purposely hidden from their family. The Foundling Father started this process many years ago, and when he passes, Lucy and Brazil are left to dig through American history to find their past. The two exclamation marks at the end of the quote indicate Brazil is excited

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