The Message
The story opens with the revelation of a secret message hidden beneath a roof tile on the top of the White House. No one knows who put it there and, obviously, it is far from common knowledge, but one of the protagonists of the story, Alex Claremont-Diaz, has managed to discover it. It is a bit of philosophical advice not unlike that found in many daily horoscopes or slipped into fortune cookies at Chinese restaurants: “RULE #1: DON’T GET CAUGHT.” This will prove to become an ironic symbol of what happens when you don’t take guidance from the universe seriously.
Luke Skywalker
In a conversation with a sick little girl that turns to the topic of Star Wars, Prince Henry admits that his favorite character is Luke Skywalker. Ironically, the young man who is literally first in line to assume the throne of England in the event of the current occupant’s death finds Luke to be a symbol of how it doesn’t matter where you came from or who your family, you can attain greatness by being true to yourself.
Photographs
Photographs are probably the most complex symbol in the story. This is because photography does not exist in a vacuum outside context. At the same time, the complexity of the symbolism revolves around the issues of truth and perception. The way that photographs have the power to be both positive and negative instruments argues against the old adage that the camera doesn’t lie. In fact, the camera is almost always a lie in some sense, and the story uses photography to explore issues of perceived truth versus factual truth.
AP Classes
Several times throughout the story it is mentioned that Alex is enrolled in AP (advanced placement) classes in school. This supposedly backs up the repeated image of Alex as a serious student who is well educated. And yet, his knowledge of some fundamental stuff is shockingly lacking in some cases. So, perhaps, the specific mention of AP in relation to a “better education” may be intended as a symbol of the sad state of the American educational system.
The Housekey
Attached to a chain constantly around Alex’s neck but hidden from view is the silver key to his mother’s house back in Texas. He began wearing the chain only once his mother became President and the family moved to the White House. Clearly, the key is a symbol of simpler times, more privacy, and a less complicated public image.
