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Symbolism Of Life In Whirligig By Paul Fleischman

772 Words4 Pages

Many people do not realize the simple yet complex symbols that represent our lives. People aim for a variety of goals, but in general they all strive to achieve one thing: to act out their part to contribute to their life, not knowing that they are affecting others dramatically, too. A chess game, such a simple thing yet so significant in our world, symbolizes life. In Paul Fleischman's story, Whirligig, he describes how the main character’s life portrays itself as a chess game. Easy and effortless things (such as a whirligig), something so simple yet complicated, can symbolize into something greater in real life. Within our existence, not everyone has to be equal or the same and that little difference can affect the whole world. In the chapter “Party Time”, the main character, Brent decides to attend a party; one that he did not formally get invited. At the event, everyone is wearing either all black or all white clothes while …show more content…

Each piece in this board game is different, each playing a critical role. During Chaz’s party, Brent is put into a life size game with him being a bishop since Brent’s last name is Bishop. In chess, the pieces’ main goal is to take down the king of the other color. Similarly, life has roles, too. All roles have goals just like how rooks have. Sometimes, the smaller role can become a larger role. Consider Brent, for example. He is a bishop, but he is now king. “They are the pawns. You are a king” (Fleischman 18). Brent’s job of building whirligigs affects his role, making him a larger being. This also works in chess. When a pawn moves to the end of the board without being killed, then it can become a queen. Fleischman also puts a paradox into the topic of chess with Brent thinking himself as a king when his last name is Bishop. Ultimately, the chess game symbolizes that everyone has a role to

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