What is The Compass

The compass, first spotted by Mary Poppins and then picked up by Michael in the chapter titled "Bad Tuesday," symbolizes freedom, travel, and imagination. On the surface, its clear purpose has a literal symbolism, as the arrow which swings North, South, East, and West is able to point out to the user every direction on Earth and hint at the wonders of every country in the world. Yet, on a deeper level of analysis, Michael and Jane's amazing trip following each of the four cardinal points not only shows them the way in which a compass can enable travel, it also shows them how far their imagination can take them. Michael's late-night adventure with the compass, though he does not travel anywhere physically, instead bringing foreign elements and people into his own room, is proof that the compass can embody the spirit of freedom and 'otherness' even if one simply holds it and thinks of where one would like to go.