Symbolism In Najmah's Loss Of Hope

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(AGG) Someone that wishes for a peaceful day may not even notice a fallen olive branch or see doves flying overhead; no one said birds and olives were peaceful, but they symbolize what we believe is peace. (BS-1) Just like how the true meaning of dove is hidden breath the surface of the context, the true meaning of the stars is hidden beneath the surface each time Najmah watches them. (BS-2) The absence of Najmah’s family causes her to obtain new characteristics which are uncovered through Staple’s use of symbolism. (BS-3) The clarity of the stars also becomes an influence for her as the connection to her family declines in a sense that she is no longer with them. (TS) Author, Suzanne Fisher Staples, uses symbolism to help readers understand …show more content…

(SIP-A) Najmah’s emotional state starts to dissipate as her family starts disappearing. (STEWE-1) After the tragic bombing, Najmah noticed something about the stars. Najmah notes, “As the stars disappear one by one, Akhtar leads us away from the path…” (Staples 85). The author uses stars to represent Najmah's family since each of the members are disappearing one by one in relation to the stars disappearing one by one. (STEWE-2) Najmah is also losing strength and confidence as the stars vanish. Just after the bombing as well as when the stars begin to disappear, a thought that goes through Najmah's mind is, “They speak to me and try to make me feel welcome. But I feel as if my tongue has been locked inside my mouth since the moment I saw my mother… just before the bombs fell” (Staples 88). Najmah's overall character is diminishing as the sky doesn't shine as brightly from the light of the stars. (SIP-B) When Najmah regains strength and confidence, the stars begin to reappear and her thoughts and actions suddenly change. (STEWE-1) There is a clear representation of Najmah regaining strength when she says, “For the first time I forget the gnawing in my stomach, and my eyes fly open” (Staples 108). Just after she says this, Najmah beings to continue her journey through the mountains …show more content…

(SIP-A) Najmah is provided with the opportunity to have a fresh start to move on from her tragic past. (STEWE-1) After Nusrat realizes that Faiz is dead, she makes a big decision to go back to America. She then thinks about how Najmah’s life would be if she joined her. Nusrat suggests, “ ‘I've been thinking how different your life would be if you came with me to America” (Staples 238). (STEWE-2) Najmah is still reluctant in making a decision. Yet, she still acts as she considers the idea, “... so I nod yes, to say that I will think about it. Living anywhere but in Golestan is unimaginable to me” (Staples 240). (SIP-B) Even when she is presented with the opportunity to go to America with Nusrat, Najmah thinks about the stars, which influence her final decision. (STEWE-1) Before Najmah makes any decision, she asks, “ ‘Can you see the stars in New York?’ “ (Staples 247). Referring back to the stars, remembering that they symbolize her connection with her family is crucial. Staples included this question because it acts as a way to hint to the reader that Najmah constantly thinks about her family (looks at the stars), especially when she is debating on whether or not she should go to America with Nusrat. (STEWE-2) When the ending of the novel approaches, Najmah says, “All my life I have been looking at the

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