Symbolism In The Copper Sun

The main conflict revolves around Amari’s capture and her journey to America. The conflict shows the protagonist, Amari, facing the inhumane practices that were used during this time. The Copper Sun’s conflict can be both internal and external. Sharon describes how people's hope slowly dimmed to nothing. The author states, “Why couldn't I have died with my family?”(Draper,31). The main character is at odds with herself and she feels as if there isn't any more hope left. If you were suddenly put into this situation, wouldn't you question why is it worth living anymore? As anyone would, she is battling with the side that wants to die versus the side that wants to live. Amari often had to go up against physical forces as well, or an external conflict. The author states, ”Amari’s arms were lashed and sliced as she huddled with Afi,” (Draper, 39). Along with their hope declining, they also faced somatic weakness. The captives were eventually downtrodden and oppressed by the white foreigners, until there was nothing left

Amari and the other captives know that it is their last day before their journey overseas. The sun that woke them every morning and signaled the time for night is the last thing they'll see before embarking the ship. The sun is the only thing that ties her back to her homeland. The author states, ”The spirit of the copper sun seemed to bleed for them as it glowed bright red against the deepening blue of the great water. It sank slowly as if saying farewell,” (Draper, 34). The captives don't know what awaits them, so for all they know they could die within the next day. They had to live with this uncertainty. The novel states,”I've never seen the ocean before. I have heard that the water spills over the edge of the world and that death is only found there,” (Draper, 32). The sun setting beneath the horizon shows that the copper sun they were accustomed to was giving them one last