Where do we go when we die? This question has puzzled people for many of years and still goes on unanswered today. In the short story “Pigeon Feathers,” John Updike explores the answer to this question through the eyes of a young boy named David. Updike utilizes figurative language throughout the story, along with an ominous tone to take the reader through David's quest leading up to his final epiphany. There is an immense amount of symbolism all throughout the short story that Updike uses to create a deep meaning. For example, David and his family moved from Olinger to Firetown. Firetown can be seen as a symbol to David questioning whether there is a heaven or not. Another symbol Updike uses is David’s grandfather’s bible, it symbolizes David’s faith. While David is questioning his religion, a small part of him still hopes that there is an afterlife, so he searches for it in an old, worn out bible-which is much like his fate, worn out. The barn in the ending scene is also used as symbolism. When David walks into the barn, he is still skeptical about the afterlife, but when he walks out and begins to bury the pigeons he reaches his epiphany. All of the symbolism in this story helps the reader …show more content…
The way Updike describes the scene where David goes to the outhouse to use the restroom at night gives the feeling that something scary might happen, and it does when David gets his vision of death. Imagery is also used when David describes his new house in Firetown. He gives the place a very gloomy and boring vibe since he doesn’t like his new home and feels displaced there. The final scene where David describes the pigeon feathers also contains imagery, and helps the reader understand the meaning behind David’s epiphany. Updike uses imagery to appeal to the reader and keep them engrossed in what is happening in the