The Power of One includes many important symbols and numerous intertextual references. In this blog entry, I will evaluate certain important symbols of the novel and also the importance of the intertextual references. The main symbols, which I will focus on, are all directly linked with Peekay’s own thoughts, views and feelings and it is therefore important to study them. Certain intertextual references to Alice in Wonderland and the Bible have been made, throughout the book and I will also discuss them.
The first symbol, found in the novel The Power of One, is the references to the three waterfalls. The three waterfalls were not a physical place but was part of the vision Peekay had because of his bed wetting habits. The local witch-doctor had agreed to help Peekay due to his ‘night water’ which he had at the boarding school. The witch doctor spoke of how he visited Peekay in his dreams, where there was a place of three waterfalls and ten stones going across the river. Peekay had to jump the three water falls and cross the river using the stones, then was healed of his ‘night water’. This symbolism shows the importance of magic, witchcraft and superstition to many South African people. It also symbolizes Peekay’s ability to overcome and rise above certain challenges.
Another symbol, in this book, is the numerous references to the full moon. Throughout the story, Peekay links the full moon with death. In chapter 19 Peekay points to the fact that it was a full moon on the nights that both Grandpa Chook and Geel Piet died. Granpa Chook was a symbol of hope and survival to Peekay and it is understandable why Grandpa Chook’s death caused Peekay so much grief. The time that Doc discusses his death, with Peekay at the crystal cave, it was also a full moon. Towards the end of the book, the last reference to the full moon is made. Although no one dies, it possibly symbolizes the death of Peekay's hatred for the Judge. Such symbolism adds to the depth and mystery of the story.
The lowliness bird is also a symbol, found throughout the story. As the name suggests, the loneliness birds are Peekay's childly motto for loneliness. There is reference to the lowliness birds in Peekay's life during his fifth year, when he was constantly abuse by the Judge and his storm troopers. Another reference occurs at the end of Chapter Eight, when Peekay says that he has grown up and the loneliness birds stopped laying stone eggs inside of him. The loneliness birds seem to disappear at the very end of the book when Peekay had avenged himself against the Judge. Because this book was written from Peekays perspective, the reader is able to see and appreciate these certain symbols that Peekay had in his mind.
Another important symbol, in this novel, is the swastika. The swastika is symbol which, at that time, was attributed to the Germans. The swastikas, which are widely recognised as symbols of evil, and used in The Power of One clearly to demonstrate wickedness and power of apartheid, which had the power to segregate a nation and the hopes of many people. There are numerous references to the swastika, which symbolized the nearness of the powerful Germans. Peekay describes the boarding school dormitories as open, cold, bare and covered with the Nazi swastikas. He also describers a swastika tattooed Afrikaner officer, intertextually linked with Hitler, saying to Peekay 'you’re destroying our country, you kaffir lover'. This symbol represented the hate and segregation which occurred during this time.
The Power of One also includes numerous intertextual links. Throughout the book, there are numerous references to Alice in Wonderland, by Lewis Carroll. For example, Peekay compares the rose garden behind his Barberton house as something out of Alice in Wonderland. Also the twin Shangaan kitchen maids are called Dum and Dee, after Alice in Wonderland characters, Twiddle Dee and Twiddle Dum. There are links to fairy tales in general, for example in Chapter Eighteen Peekay says that the crystal cave of Africa looks like "an illustration from a fairy tale." Bryce Courtenay has also included numerous references to the bible. At the beginning of the story Peekay meets Pik Botha on the train, Pik Botha was a converted Christian and he made a lot of references to the bible and was very centered on the word of God. Peekay’s mother was very similar and she too was a very dedicated Christian. Peekay, himself was not so religious and he viewed the new Christian converts as a “pathetic bunch.”
The Power of One includes a lot of symbolism. Symbolism was very important in Peekays life and it is also important in bringing certain messages across in the story. These symbols were mostly mental and involve imaginary but they still bring across a powerful message. Bryce Courtenay has also chosen to include certain intertextual references to add to the appeal of the novel.
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