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Symbolism In The Spectacular Now

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The Spectacular Now A bracelet, a necklace, a hat. What do these items really mean when given sentimental value? Although these items might be used as accessories, they can symbolize friendship, a relationship, and even a brotherhood. In the novel, The Spectacular Now, by Tim Tharp, the author successfully employs the use symbolism by using a 7UP cup which contains whiskey, a flask, and Aimee’s purple coat. These objects symbolize Sutters problems throughout the book. In the novel, the author uses Sutter’s 7UP cup as a symbol as an escape to all his problem and relaxes him when he is stressed. While trying to apologize to his girlfriend Cassidy for showing up late, he needs an idea on how to do so. The author writes, “Sitting at the patio …show more content…

When Sutter and Aimee are going to a party, he notices that she is wearing a huge purple coat. The author writes, “Still, it’s not nearly cold enough for the kind of jacket Aimee’s sporting. It's huge, down filled purple monster that makes her look like a giant billiard ball.”(p.g 121) The author successfully employs the use of symbolism by using the coat to represent Aimee’s character of being shy and insecure. Coats are used for keeping warm in the cold. Hence, when Aimee has it on, she is protected from all the bad influences around her. Later, the author writes, “She might be the only girl I’ve ever met who still hasn’t learned to sacrifice bodily comfort for fashion's sake.”(p.g 121). The author uses the term “hasn’t learned to sacrifice,” as a symbol because it represents Aimee lack of courage for her to stand up for herself. Then, while Sutter and Cassidy are having a conversation about Aimee, Sutter brings up the jacket. “Hey, that coats in the back of the closet now.”(p.g 207). The author uses the coat as a symbol because since the coat represented all of Aimee’s insecurities, she no longer has that. Now that the coat is off, she is a new person thanks to Sutter. He has helped her take it off and helped her realize who she really was. Finally, the last symbol Tim Tharp incorporates is a

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