Opera

Opera symbolizes Vern's sole means for emotional experience. He shows a taste for singing early in the novel. In each subsequent chapter, Vern is in some way affected by music - opera being his preferred genre. It is ironic, though, that Vern shies away from the emotions that music illicit in him. In the restaurant with Joe McLeish, Vern is overwhelmed by the sight of a singer he admires. However, rather than embrace the feeling or let himself be softened by it, Vern is disillusioned and gets flustered. Similarly, when Vern is actually at an opera performance, he gets flustered when a wave of sadness overcomes him. He, in fact, proceeds to leave the opera in a fury. It is as if Vern is afraid to confront his own cruel nature - a confrontation that opera prompts from him with sadness.

The Linotype

The Linotype symbolizes...