Significance of The Carapace

The carapace that attacks Willie Lincoln symbolizes the danger and harmful effects of prolonged grief. As a child, Willie Lincoln is highly susceptible to ill effects in the bardo, with the risk of being held their forever. Malevolent forms of evil spirits attempt to form a solid carapace over Willie to trap him in the bardo. Willie appears stuck in the bardo due to his own strong will and the mutual grief of Willie and his father. When Willie finally escapes the bardo and enters the next stage of the afterlife, it is presented as a result of a mutual acceptance between Willie and his father. This acquittal of grief thus saves Willie from being doomed to an eternity in the bardo.