The Jacket Essay, Research Paper
In “The JacketGary Soto uses symbolism to reflect on the characterization and development of the narrarator. Soto seems to focus mainly on a jacket, which has several meanings throughout the story. The jacket is used as a symbol to portray poverty, the narrarators insecurity, and the narrarator’s form of self-destruction.
Since the story uses a certain object, the Jacket, as the meaning of several issues, it primarily focuses on the narrarator’s poverty-stricken family. First of all, an example of the poverty is demonstrated when the narrarator complains that the jacket “was so ugly and big that I knew I’d have to wear it a long time”(paragraph 3). It is clear that his lack of money was a problem in which he would have to keep the jacket because he could not afford a new one. The narrarator then feels embarrassed and upset by the jacket by stating “I blame my mother for her bad taste and cheap ways”(paragraph 10). By mentioning his mother’s “cheap” ways he is conveying that he is aggravated because of his mothers option to choose bad and ugly clothes in order to save money. A final way that the jacket is used as a symbol for poverty is implicit when a dog in the story tears the jacket and the narrarator “… Scotch taped it close but in rain or cold weather the tape peeled off like
Gonzalez 2
a scab and more stuffing came out”(paragraph 10). The fact that the narrarator could not fix the torn part of the jacket can indicate that his family is struggling to afford money for themselves. These certain examples help portray the issues of poverty that the narrarator’s family struggles.
The Jacket symbolizes poverty as well as the narrarator’s insecurity throughout the story.
An example of the insecurity that is demonstrated in the story is mentioned when the narrarator’s teachers were of “no help, they looked [his] way and talked about how foolish [he] looked in [his] new jacket” (paragraph 7). The narrarator feels insecure because of his assumptions that his teachers are making fun of him when in fact, they are not noticing him at all. Further more, he continues to say, “At lunchtime I stayed with the ugly boys leaned against the chain link fence… our mouths” (paragraph 9). This statement proves the narrarator is having bad luck because of the jacket and is destroying his reputation at school. A third reason why the jacket symbolizes insecurity is because the fact that his classmates see him with the jacket, he feels that they “…say out loud “man that’s ugly”, I heard the buzz-buzz of gossip and even laughter”
Gonzalez 3
(paragraph 7). Just as he felt the same as he did in the teacher situation, he feels the jacket is something that makes himself like a joke and increases his insecurity.
Self- Destruction is a final meaning for the symbolism of the jacket which helps the character develop himself in the story. When the narrarator felt that the jacket was ruining his life, he claimed “I ran outside, ready to cry, and climbed the tree by the alley to think bad thoughts” (paragraph 10). His bad thoughts were of embarrassment and shame all brought on by the idea of having this certain jacket. Another example was when he had gotten upset and he had thrown the jacket down and he later “…swiped the jacket off the ground and went inside to drape it across [his] leg and started to mope” (paragraph 11). Showing aggravation towards an object shows his frustration towards himself, realizing that he cannot accept the person he has become with the jacket. Finally, when the narrarator states “I spent my sixth-grade year in a tree waiting for something good to happen to me in that jacket” (paragraph 10). The narrarator’s expectation to feel useful in the jacket is what makes him happy.
In conclusion, Gary Soto realizes that without the symbolism of the jacket, there really would be no meaning
Gonzalez 4
to the story. His use of poverty, insecurity, and self-destruction of the narrarator is what makes the story complete.
Другие работы по теме:
Book Reporte The Eye Of The Tiger
Essay, Research Paper Question 1) Write a different beginning or a different ending for the story. Answer 1) I chose to write a different ending for the story.
The War With Mr Wizzle Essay Research
Paper Bruno Walton has declared war. Macdonald Hall has a new administrative assistant who is determined to bring the aging school up to date. Bruno doesn?t like Mr. Wizzle, he isn?t fond of Wizzle?s Magnetronic 515 computer, and he utterly detests Wizzle?s new jacket-and-tie dress code. But when he is the first to start collecting Wizzle?s demerits, and is the first to be assigned to write lines (Boy, that Mr.
Untitled Essay Research Paper On vacation this
Untitled Essay, Research Paper On vacation this summer I glanced out the window and sawa beautiful handglider hovering in these pretty mountains.A great looking background surrounded the mountains. About four-hundred feet above the mountain soaredthe handglider. The pilot who appears about five footeleven inches wears a yellow jacket and black snow pants.The handglider hangs with a span of about twenty-ninefeet.
Romeo An Juliet Essay Research Paper hi
Romeo An Juliet Essay, Research Paper hi i need an essay about a character in romeo and juliet that demonsrtated maturity. in a well developed multi pagraph essay and say why you think the character’s maturity was greater than the other characters in the play.
Mrs Pollifax Essay Research Paper The Elusive
Mrs. Pollifax Essay, Research Paper The Elusive Mrs. Pollifax is one of my favorite books of all times! An old, brittle woman in the CIA has to sneak eight forged passports into Bulgaria, and get out as fast as possible without being suspicious. But
A Recipe For Wakeboarding Essay Research Paper
A Recipe for Wakeboarding The first step to getting up on a wakeboard is to change into your swimming suit. The second step is to go down to the dock and take the boat off of the boatlift. Once the boat is in the water, softly turn the key until the engine fires up. Now that the boat is warm, we are ready to put on our wakeboard.
On The Sidewalk Essay Research Paper The
On The Sidewalk Essay, Research Paper The Purple Jacket To die is poignantly bitter, but the idea of having to die without having lived is unbearable , claimed the U.S psychoanalyst Erich Fromm. On the Sidewalk Bleeding by Evan Hunter demonstrated Erich Fromm s idea clearly. When the main character, Andy realized that he was dying because of his Royal membership, he realized that he missed a lot of meaningful things in life.
Want To Be A Canadian Essay Research
Paper Want to be a Canadian? I have been in Vancouver for one and half year, so I have seen many Canadians. Since I was asked to write something based on my experience in
Under The Moon Lit Night Essay Research
Paper It was a magnificent night. The stars where glittering over us. We even saw a falling star. The moon was bright and full. For us it was the first time that we walked together under the full moon by the sea shore.
Oh Really Essay Research Paper Oh Reallyyou
Oh Really? Essay, Research Paper Oh Really, you think i am a lark, the dogs they run and bark, but when i say to them, shut up shut up shut up, you say to be nice to them,
The Outsiders Essay Research Paper A Day
The Outsiders Essay, Research Paper A Day No Pigs Would Die Robert Newton Peck The book took place in rural Vermont with a young Shaker boy named Rob Peck. The novel was basically about this boy going through joyful and trying times in his youth, and his friendship with his pet pig named Pinky. Robert Peck was the main character, he was loving towards Pinky and he was obedient,( he knew if he wasn?t, he?d be in big trouble.)
Shane Essay Research Paper Sometimes I need
Shane Essay, Research Paper Sometimes, I need you more than I need air And sometimes I miss you more than I will forever, never forget the times that we have shaared. The are priceless
Poem Belong Essay Research Paper Where I
Poem: Belong Essay, Research Paper Where I belong I am weak, I am strong I will fit where I belong don’t know where it is for now but it will come, if I allow tomorrow, I start a brand new day
Puritans Essay Research Paper When the puritans
Puritans Essay, Research Paper When the puritans came to America, they were greeted by Native Americans who were empathetic and understanding of their reasons for leaving the strict religious scheme outlined by their society in Europe. The Native Americans were fearless of their visitors until they decided to ravish them of the land that they had inhabited for hundreds of years.
Jackson Jarrell Essay Research Paper Washed OutRandall
Jackson Jarrell Essay, Research Paper Washed Out Randall Jackson Jarrell was born on May 6, 1914 in Nashville, Tennessee. He was the first child to Campbell and Owen Jarrell. He attended Hume-Fogg High School in Nashville and later graduated. He then attended Vanderbilt University through the generosity of his uncle Howell Campbell.
Him Essay Research Paper I think about
Him Essay, Research Paper I think about him day and night The though won’t go away And, oh, how I would hold him tight every second of the day He is perfect, that is true, not an average me or you
Boys Form Brazil Essay Research Paper THE
Boys Form Brazil Essay, Research Paper THE BOY’S FROM BRAZIL After the holocaust a man by the name of Dr. Mengele ran off to the jungles of south America in Brazil to hide form Nazi hunters. He stayed there for twenty years trying to rebuild the aryan nation.
Poem She Sat Essay Research Paper She
Poem: She Sat Essay, Research Paper She sat… helpless in her room praying to whatever god there may be to let her call to him. could god ignore such a painful cry?
Native Americans Essay Research Paper The Native
Native Americans Essay, Research Paper The Native American Through time the concerns of a certain group can stay consistent. The legacy of common attitudes and goals of Native Americans of the last century have transcended to their present day descendents. The concerns of the last century Native Americans were that white men were infringing and stealing their land, while they were constantly trying to defend it.
Ode To Boys Essay Research Paper We
Ode To Boys Essay, Research Paper We like them But do they like us The ones we do never fuss They don’t stop in And we wonder why We stress, we bitch We sometimes cry
Life Is Like Essay Research Paper Life
Life Is Like Essay, Research Paper Life is like a car. When it?s new, it usually works all right. As time drives by, it breaks down and needs repairs. Life is like a leaf. In its youth, it
Designer Comparision Essay Research Paper Armin Hofmann
Designer Comparision Essay, Research Paper Armin Hofmann s effect and significance as a Swiss designer included published the Graphic design manual: principals and practice in 1965. This book became a reference for many young designers and thus created a sort of design recipe that could be followed and repeated by others.
Dare Essay Essay Research Paper What DARE
Dare Essay Essay, Research Paper What D.A.R.E Means To Me Dare has prepared me to say no to drugs in eight different ways. If anyone asks me to do drugs I will know what to do, such as- just ignoring the person or just
The Playground Essay Research Paper I have
The Playground Essay, Research Paper I have a friend I used to know who had a playground where we would go The times we had are fresh in my mind but they are from another time
Double Standard Essay Research Paper Double StandardAs
Double Standard Essay, Research Paper Double Standard As a traffic engineer, I am obviously more qualified to be operating a moving vehicle than anyone else on the road. After all, I know the proper term for those little sparkly things that they glue to the pavement: bidirectional amber reflectorized pavement markers.