What Does The Persian Carpet In The Story Symbolize

Assignment # 23: The Persian Carpet Megan Kinders

1. From which point of view is the story told? Provide proof.

A school aged girl tells us the story of the Persian Carpet from the first person point of view. This perspective is best evidenced in the use of the words, I and we. The author uses the word I in this excerpt; “Though in control of my self and my shyness, I knew that I would be incapable- however much I tried- of showing my emotions …” This quote evidences the use of we; “As we went down the steps, we turned back towards the door, then towards the window.”

2. What does the Persian carpet in the story symbolize? Explain.

Initially, the Persian carpet symbolized the comfort and security of home. The girl associated the carpet with her home when their family

At this point the symbolism for the carpet changes as well. As the protagonist rediscovers the carpet at her mother’s new home, she sees the carpet and realizes that not only was her mother responsible for the break up of the family, she was also the carpet thief. Blaming the blind man, a man the little girl had grown fond of, for stealing the carpet her mother covers her lies. The little girl now sees the carpet as a symbol of something that is full of lies and betrayal. “In confusion I looked at the Persian carpet spread on the floor, then gave my mother a long look.” By their very nature, Persian carpets are symbolic, telling stories through their patterns and designs. A comb on a Persian carpet is a symbol of cleanliness, red represents beauty, wealth, courage, luck, joy and faith. A variety of floral designs represent symbols of paradise. These are the symbols she remembers from the carpet when her family was whole; it was paradise for her. The carpet becomes a source of irony in the story. Seen in this new context she becomes hostile towards the carpet and her memories of comfort and security