In the futuristic novel, Oryx and Crake, Margaret Atwood uses symbolism effectively to shape and reinforce the theme of renaming. Atwood tells a story of a dystopian society in which the idea of change becomes a pivotal role in the overall look of the story. Jimmy, the protagonist retells a story of how he got to where he is, a world full of humanoid robots and him possibly being the only man alive. Through the small yet significant changes Jimmy and his closest friend undergo throughout the story, it is transparent that although change can have a perfect root, static change is the most detestable trait one can have. Using the literary device of symbolism, Margaret Atwood reinforces the theme of renaming throughout the book by emphasizing …show more content…
Heavily implying that Crake was the root cause, “Jimmy didn’t understand how he could be so nil about it – it was horrible, the thought of Crake watching his own mother dissolve like that.” (Atwood 177) Why was Crake so emotionless? To watch a very significant and important person in one’s life simply ‘dissolve’ must have been terrible and even to Jimmy it was quite unexpected that Crake acted this way. As the story progresses Jimmy finally witnesses the complete inverse of Crake as Jimmy watches Crake kill Oryx. Showing that Crake had no remorse for neither his childhood friend nor his “friend with benefits”. As the worldwide pandemic breaks out, Jimmy finds shelter inside Paradice while Crake and Oryx are missing. Soon enough Crake shows up and Jimmy is shocked. To see his best friend and childhood friend become the mad scientist he is must have been extenuating. Atwood narrates; “As Jimmy watched, frozen with disbelief, Crake let Oryx fall backwards, over his left arm. He looked at Jimmy, a direct look, unsmiling. “I’m counting on you,” he said. Then he slit her throat. Jimmy shot him.” (Atwood 329) Crake shows Jimmy how much he has changed by taking away his only source of love and fulfillment. Prior to this, Jimmy is