http://www.catholictradition.org/Saints/signs4.htm
ORANGE: The orange tree is regarded as a symbol of purity, chastity, and generosity. Thus it is occasionally depicted in paintings of the Virgin Mary. The orange tree was sometimes used instead of the apple tree or the fig tree in scenes showing the fall of man. When it is seen in representations of Paradise, it alludes to the fall of man and his redemption. Its white flower is also used to suggest purity, and for this reason orange blossoms are the traditional adornment of brides.
Jeanette's mother constantly forced Jeanette to eat oranges. Throughout the story, Jeanette peels away the layers of the orange meticulously. I always thought this was a foreshadow of Jeanette's self; how there was so much more beneath Jeanette's exterior self. Learning the symbolic meaning behind the orange in Christianity, it entails more. Jeanette's mother wanted to pursue the idea of Jeanette being pure and innocent.
I think this is one of the wisest posts I've read on this book. You basically broke everything down and couldn't have said it better. As you said, I feel like Jeanette's mother was so forceful in her own ways of doing things, that she failed to acknowledge that there are other ways of living and dealing with life in itself. I feel like she never saw what Jeanette held inside, because it was like her way or no way. This was an excellent post!
ReplyDeleteThank you girl!! :')
ReplyDeleteBoth of these are great posts!
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