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Henry And Lyman's Symbolism In The Red Convertible

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According to the National Vietnam Veterans Readjustment Study it is estimated that about 30 out of 100 Vietnam Soldiers experience post-traumatic stress disorder. In which they experience helplessness, frightening thoughts, traumatic flashbacks, and mental damage. The “red convertible” (Erdrich 39) that two brothers Henry and Lyman purchase together is very symbolic of Henrys struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder as he returns from the Vietnam War. Louie Erdrich symbols throughout the story demonstrates the changes of ones state of mind before and after war. Before leaving for service Henry and Lyman purchase the car and the brothers leave their “reservation” (Erdrich 39) with no worries and responsibilities. They spend their “summer” …show more content…

He comes home a “very different” (Erdrich 40) man. Lyman attempts to help his brother but Henry insist on sitting in front of the TV set and constantly replays the past in his head. Henry bit his lip and begin to bleed while watching television. During supper he was still bleeding and had had no problem eating his “bread” (Erdrich 42) covered in blood. This symbolizes Henry “soul” (“Blood”) being eaten up by his own emotional state. Lyman believes now the only way to save his brother is with “the red convertible” (Erdrich 39) that once was a representation of their brotherhood. The car is a symbol of Henrys “vicissitude psychological development” (“Automobile”). Lyman intentionally destroys the car knowing his brother eventually will react to its poor maintenance. When Henry finishes fixing the convertible it is “spring” (Erdrich 44). Spring is the time where “growth of living things” is not guaranteed according to The Dictionary of Symbols (“Spring”). Henrys traumatic experience makes him incapable of further developing. Henry drives his brother out to “Red River” (Erdrich 44) and Lyman begins to believe his brother is back to normal. Henry jumps into the water very casually as if to cool off but his decision to end his is already thought out. He allows his boots to fill up with water which symbolizes purification and

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