Comment on Motorcycle

The motorcycle is a symbol of life and joy. It appears in the story “Summer Thunder.” The characters in this story approach the possibility of death in various ways. Many escape to Canada believing that the radioactive fallout will not reach them there. Others kill themselves in ways that will keep them from experiencing the suffering associated with radiation poisoning. Instead of merely ending his life, Robinson arranges to die while doing something he loved to do in life, riding his motorcycle.