The Copper Sun
The copper sun is, as one might expect, the central defining symbol of the book. After all, it was not chosen at the book’s title for nothing. Because it defines the narrative, its symbolic meaning is also as complex as the story, changing and reshaping as the occasion fits. The imagery is taken from Countee Cullen’s poem “Heritage” which is printed in its entirely as prefatory material and which opens with the question of what Africa means to the speaker: “Copper sun or scarlet sea.” Therefore, above all else, the copper sun symbolizes Africa and Amari’s emotional state upon seeing it in the sky is related to the memories of being forcibly exiled from her homeland. As a result, depending on context, the copper sun can be a happy symbol of nostalgic memories one minute and a devastating symbol of lost hope the next.
Kente Cloth
Kente cloth is literally nothing but material woven from threaded fibers. Symbolically speaking, however, kente cloth becomes a powerful statement of resistance to authority. As the one remaining tangible connection to Africa, possession of it in reality allows its spirit to remain alive by learning how to make it, which becomes an act of rebellion against attempts to stamp out all connections to Africa among slaves.
Mrs. Derby’s Baby
The second Mrs. Derby is only eighteen years old, but still enjoys all the prominence of being married to the plantation owner. When her pregnancy reaches full term and the baby is delivered, everyone is shocked to discover it is a girl with unquestionably black skin. After a failed attempt to convince Mr. Derby that the baby had died at birth, the truth is revealed and he responds by making his young wife watch as he shoots both the baby and its father. This entire series of events symbolizes what was to become the brutal irony for the South: as hard as they fought to avoid allowing integration between blacks and whites, their very own actions guaranteed its inevitability.
Francisco Menendez
Menendez is an actual historical figure whom Amari becomes aware of. Upon learning that he not only is he a black man in charge of a military fort, but he was a slave who successfully escaped, she is suitably impressed. More than merely impressed, she is inspired by this symbol of the unthinkable actually come to life and proving it could be done.
A Leaf in the Wind
The young white indentured servant Polly pulls a leaf off an oak tree and uses it as a symbol to explain freedom to Amari. Situating the leaf as being caught up a whirlwind, she explains that freedom is “like a pretty leaf in the air: It’s hard to catch and may not be what you thought when you get it.”
