Symbolism in David Leavitts Gravity - Book Report/Review Example

The eyes may symbolize truth and the human soul. It has been commonly said that the eyes are the windows to one's soul. Theo chooses to face the truth about his brief and dwindling life - which is a sign of courage. His mother supports his decision; she has been there for him from the beginning. Offering him her own eyeglasses when he was twelve years old shows her deep concern and sacrifice for her son. "Sylvia had to squint through Fiddler on the Roof that day, but for Theo, his face masked by his mother's huge eyeglasses, everything was as bright and vivid as a comic book.

" To while his time, he would watch I Love Lucy, considered the most popular TV show because of its unique presentation of life and humor. Watching the show may divert his attention from the grave reality of his life which is being pressed on him daily and unceasingly. This is made more painful by the presence of the "hard piece of pipe" on his chest. It is a "constant reminder of how wide and unswimmable the gulf has become between him and the ever-receding shoreline of the well." It reminds him of the reality of his brief life, the well representing life.

On the other hand, the "lovely silver tray" that his mother gave Howard on his behalf can stand for something valuable, full of promise and positive. It gives an impression of good things, smooth and full of hope - something that could be wished for an engaged couple. Moreover, the "tacky pen and paper set" without "even a real leather box" that was a graduation gift from Bibi has never been forgotten by Sylvia. It meant for her how base and insignificant Bibi must have looked at her and her son.

She is determined to get back at Bibi by giving her son Howard something of great value on his engagement party. Theo must really have been so important to Sylvia that anything - any maltreatment - done to him hurts her more. While talking with his mother about a gift for Howard, he mentioned his gift to a roommate. Theo's gift was garlic presser. According to him it "reflected exactly how much I felt" and the "friendship was worth." It cost him only five dollars. He must have felt crushed and angry at that moment.

His mother commented it a "clever" act. Finally, the object that contains the greatest and most profound meaning in the story is the "large ridged crystal bowl, a very fifties sort of bowl, stalwart and square-jawed.' It is according to his mother "beautiful" but for him it is "ugly." To prove her point and pass her message across vividly, not only for Theo to understand but also for the other two men to realize, she tossed the crystal bowl to Theo, who despite his frailty caught it and kept it from falling and being shattered to pieces.

Putting more emphasis on her point, she