In "Close to the Bone" after David's funeral, Ethan describes a moment where, "a mangy fox stood staring at me, its tongue hanging out. It was neither afraid nor surprised. If anything, it had an expression of bemusement" (Lam 182). The fox is symbolic of David's personality and characteristics. His trickster nature is shown throughout the story.
In the beginning, David taunts Ethan's father with breaking the bricks in class, and later Ethan's parents by showing support for Ethan's sexuality during a discussion at dinner. Over and again he seems to push the envelope on what is considered proper, while at the same time showing respect for the ancestral culture. It is through this sort of wily and unpredictable behavior that he inspires both Ethan and his father to challenge themselves in different ways. Ethan's father seems to struggle to find purpose until David gives him a means to channel the life he feels that has been lost. Through David he finds the son he wishes he had, and at the same time in some ways connects to his own son. Ethan is inspired to find his voice and break down walls by standing up to the oppression he feels has been inflicted on him. He openly confesses who he is and sees himself to be because of David's support.
David's wry actions caused the family to break down barriers and forcibly reevaluate their relationships. The fox's appearance reflects the irony of what is, as well as the potential hopefulness of what could be.
By Jennifer V.
I really like the personification you used to make the connection of the relationships in "Close to the Bone." Ethan may not be the ideal son to his father but, it is true that David does break some barriers down for Ethan. He gives Ethan the assurance he needed to stand up at the funeral and reveal his identity. He knows that his identity if frowned upon by his parents but David, like the fox reveals himself, boldly and fearlessly.
ReplyDelete-Jeremy B.
I like how you compared David to the "sly fox" type character. It made me think of the host of other characters that established this type character - Reynard the Fox, Anansi the Spider, etc. Fun, trickster characters who get away with a lot more than anyone else can. I would have loved to hear more on how you thought the fox was reflective of irony, since I was unclear on the connection there. In your last sentence you say that the fox "reflects the irony of what is," which sounds like a really interesting concept. I think the reader certainly sees a lot of irony in this story, and I'm curious how you felt the fox played into that. Really great post!
ReplyDelete-Abigail I.
I think that you make a good point about the changing nature of David's role in this story. He plays the role which is needed of him for both Ethan and his father. The fox may be sneaky, but he is intelligent and versatile. This allows him to fit in whatever role he will be most useful at a specific moment. I like how you stated that the fox represents what could be and what is; the duality of David's role to both characters in this story really back up his importance as a character.
ReplyDelete- Paige M.