Introduction
Symbolism as a literary tool has been available to writers since the very beginning of literature as such. According to its name, it implies the use of symbols in order to convey the message in an indirect way. Kirszner and Mandell define it as “a person, object, action, place, or event that, in addition to its literal meaning, suggests a more complex meaning or range of meanings” (292). In this context, The Secret Lion short story written by Alberto Alvaro Rios holds numerous symbols that, analogically to puzzle pieces provide readers with hints and clues to the true meaning behind the text – the change and its inevitability.
The “Lion”
The lion Rios refers to in his short story is the most obvious, abstract, and important symbol of the inevitability of change. In particular, Rios mentions an unspecified event that was “like a lion, and roaring, roaring that way the biggest things do” (Rios 1). When the lion appears at the beginning of the story, it confuses readers with its abstractness since they do not have enough clues as to what is the author’s message conveyed through the text just yet. Even despite Rios stating directly afterward that “everything changed,” readers will remain clueless about the lion’s true meaning, which is how enormous and significant the inevitability of change is. Lions belong among the greatest felines in the world, and as a symbol, it possibly implies not only the size but also the intimidation and danger it can pose.
Junior High School
Junior high school is the first place where the story’s protagonist meets change. It can be considered the second-most important symbol of the story because it is also the first time when the protagonist realizes and acknowledges that everything is somehow not the way it used to be. Understandably, he compares his junior high school experience with his elementary school, providing examples of the greater number of teachers, the change in their attitude, and struggles in communication with girls (Rios 1). It is necessary to mention that this particular symbol of change refers to the maturing process.
Arroyo
In the story, the author describes two particular arroyos the protagonist and his friend used to go to. In this context, the arroyo is presented as a dual symbol of the Christian Heaven and childhood. Regarding the former, the first arroyo, where the boys come to play and spend time at their leisure, can be considered a Heaven due to being a comfort zone. In that place, no one can restrict the protagonist from doing anything. It provided him with the freedom to rebel against the negativity the changes have brought to his life. As for the latter, the second arroyo and the sewage treatment plant represent childhood and adultery, respectively. That is, the arroyo could have been a paradise of freedom, but the pollution of the treatment plant constantly finds its way into the arroyo, spoiling the protagonist’s experience.
The Grinding Ball
The grinding ball is also a reference to the Christian Heaven. Specifically, it represents a forbidden apple due to its abnormal perfection. Rios portrays it through the protagonist’s words: “GuyGod this is perfect, thisisthis is perfect, it’s round, round and heavy, it’sit’s the best thing we’ve everseen” (2). The boys decided that the ball did not belong in the imperfect world outside the arroyo, so they buried it and were never able to find it again (Rios 2). In this context, the ball resembles childhood as a matter that was once perfect, but once it is lost, it remains lost forever.
Golf Course
The golf course is another symbol Rios uses to portray the Christian heaven. The author even directly refers to it as heaven in his text (Rios 3). It stuns the protagonist with the way how different it is from the regular countryside. Unfortunately, unbeknownst to the boys, its perfect state is artificially maintained, and because of it, the revelation of the true nature of the golf course deeply frustrates the protagonist. In the end, this is yet another lesson that perfection does not last long and will eventually be replaced or taken away.
Unifying Theme
The theme that unites all the mentioned symbols becomes gradually apparent to the readers as they read through the text. The first mention of the lion and the junior high school does not appear meaningless – the reader understands that these are the first clues to the puzzle. The first arroyo and the grinding ball already foreshadow the contrast between pleasant and unpleasant, happy and frustrating, and perfect and imperfect. The second arroyo almost literally signalizes that it is a mere substitute for an original comfort zone as it is constantly corrupted by external influence. Finally, the truth behind the golf course and the lion’s reappearance solidify the author’s message to the readers that there is change, and change is inevitable.
Conclusion
By cleverly organizing and placing the symbols throughout the story, Rios leads readers to the true nature of change as such. There is a direct contrast between the junior high and elementary schools, the clean and polluted arroyo, and the golf course and the countryside. In addition, there is an abstract contrast between the grinding ball’s perfection and the imperfection of the external world, as well as between childhood and adulthood. These symbols convey the message of an inevitable change that is an inseparable part of one’s life, which one has to face sooner or later.
Works Cited
Kirszner, Laurie G. and Stephen R. Mandell. Literature: Reading, Reacting, Writing. Wadsworth Cengage Learning, 2013.
Rios, Alberto Alvaro. “The Secret Lion.” West Linn-Wilsonville School District, 1984. Web.