The Red House

The Red House, constructed by Shay and Senna on Madagascar, has several symbolic values. Its existence represents and evokes a colonialist mentality, defined by a general lack of consideration of / compassion for local values. It also represents privilege and wealth, as well as the capacity to escape. At the same time, the fact that Shay experiences several enlightening events at the house suggests that it also represents the capacity for transformation and change once a person does manage to escape from elements that are otherwise negatively life-defining.

The Floors in the Entryway

The deep red floors in the entryway of the Red House represent experiences of blood, as the narrative itself suggests when it describes Shay's reaction to them. This coloring can be seen as representing both the emotional and physical violence associated with a number of experiences there. Finally, the color of the...