Lab Work

In the novel, lab work symbolizes the dissonance between scientific practice and institutional environments. Wallace generally seems to enjoy the actual process of scientific research. However, he suffers much emotional strain due to the ways in which structural racism manifests in the lab and the university. Thus, systemic institutional dynamics inhibit his productivity and happiness.

Father’s Death

The death of Wallace’s father symbolizes interpersonal alienation. Wallace did not have a close or positive relationship with his father. Thus, when his father died, Wallace felt little to no actual grief. However, when the other students learned of Wallace’s father’s death, they refused to believe that Wallace was not emotionally devastated. These events relate both to familial alienation and alienation between peers.

Dana’s Lies

Dana’s lies symbolize the ways in which white people can manipulate systemic racism to help themselves and...