Home
The author uses ‘home’ to represent a peaceful place where one gets happiness and contentment. The protagonist is stressed and wants to have peace of mind. The author writes, “I want to go home; I want to go home. Oh, Lord, I want to go home.” Consequently, there is no better place than home because we all yearn to go there whenever we feel lonely and rejected by the outside world.
Ancestors
The ancestors in the book ‘Going Home’ are used as a symbol of heritage. Whenever people do something good, they associate themselves with their ancestors. When Bill Woodward proudly walks on this earth with pride, he associates himself with his ancestors. The author writes, "At last, he can walk this earth with pride, as his ancestors did many years before him.”
Black as a symbol of identity
Bill Woodward is not ashamed of who he is because his identity shapes his destiny. Despite the racism experienced by him, Woodward emerges the best in everything. For instance, he does exceptionally well in his studies as well as in sports. While Woodland is playing with his teammates, everything the fans see is his black hands, black feet, and black hopes. The author writes, "Black hands grab the ball. Black feet kick the ball. Black hopes go soaring with the ball to the pale white sky."
Woodward (A symbol of excellence)
Woodward is the protagonist of the title story 'Going Home.' The author depicts the protagonist as a high achiever and flyer in everything he does. For instance, the author explains that the protagonist is a sharp, talented and bright individual who achieves whatever he wants within a short period. Therefore, Woodward symbolizes excellence because he motivates readers to excel in whatever they like doing.
Herbie
Herbie symbolizes the evils of racism in society. Herbie is an innocent Aboriginal boy studying with white children who discriminate against him because of his skin color. Herbie is beaten and bullied severally by the white boys. Unfortunately, one day Herbie is beaten to death, and his mother feels the worst pain in her life. Herbie symbolizes the agonies the Aboriginal community in America is subjected to due to racism.
