Birthmark (“Face”)
The birthmark is symbolic of a blemish. The narrator writes, “Of course, a production like myself was an insult that he had to face every time he opened his own door.” The narrator assumes that the mark on his face is what contributed to his father’s aversion for him. Due to discoloration, the narrator and his father had an adverse relationship.
Grape-Nuts (“ Face”)
The narrator’s nickname at school was ‘Grape-nuts.’ Obviously, the name was associated with the purple patch on his face.
Stink (“Face”)
A stink is figurative of dirt or uncleanliness. The narrator writes about a schoolmate of his who as referred to as ‘Stink’ due to his bizarre smell.
Wild Swans (“Wild Swans”)
The wild swans are symbolic of innocence and beauty. The ‘Brantford man’ who sits beside Rose on the train tells her, “I saw some Canada geese on a pond, and I took another look, and there were some swans with them. A whole great flock of swans. What a lovely sight they were.” The phrase, “lovely sight” accentuates the beauty of the swans. Furthermore, the swans are naive because they were not aware that the Brantford man was watching them.
Candy (“Wild Swans”)
Candy is symbolic of bait. According to Flo, the White slavers use candy to entice their targets who are mostly young, white children.
White Slave place (“Wild Swans”)
It is center for dehumanizing victims through drugs and exploitative sexual activities. The center enslaves white people.
