Symbolism in the English Patient

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Micheal Ondaatje creates meaning and representation in The English Patient, through the structure of his novel. The author portrays the sequence of events in a non-linear fashion to incorporate them as a puzzle-like story. The puzzle is significant because, the reader is constantly unraveling the novels excerpts together. Symbolism is an important aspect of these passages because, it provides a better understanding of the issues related to the novel such as, destruction, identity, escape, unity, and love.

Fire is used symbolically and has an appearance in the lives of all characters as a destructive element. Once the bomb is dropped on Japan and, "It rolls across cities like a burst map, the hurricane of heat withering bodies as it meets them, the shadow of humans suddenly in the air." (284), Kip realizes the destruction fire causes in the world and decides not to live the life of an English. Although, the war united Kip with many friends, such as Miss Morden, Lord Suffolk, Mr. Harts, he is affected by their deaths, which were also the result of fire. Kip's character takes a dramatic change when he realizes how the American have only tried to change his lifestyle when he states to the English Patient, "I grew up with traditions from my country, but later, more often, from your country...You and then the Americans converted us. With your missionary rules." (283) Fire destroying Japan results in Kip's decision to no longer be a war officer. Kip and Hana's relationship is also shattered due to the dropping of the bomb. Kip's realization that he cannot continue to live as a cause of destruction gives him a reason not to continue his relationship with Hana, who belongs with the European. However, Hana is also a victim o...

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...ir affair. Books also depict how they can be used to reach out to others. When a few steps leading to the English Patient's room were damaged Hana, ."..had gone into the library, removed twenty books and nailed them to the floor..." (13) to create new stairs. Books are also portrayed as an escape for Hana, because, ."..she fell upon books as the only door out of her cell." (7)

The lack of clarity of events reveals that the events of the novel do not take place one at a time, instead many events are taking place at the same time to show the importance of the images and symbols constructed. This is very different to the majority of novels. These symbols give an insight on the different themes the author presents. Michael Ondaatje uses symbols to represent ideas and concepts as well as draw attention into readers by creating an imaginative web of events.

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