Soot
Racism is symbolized by nicknaming the black boy as 'Soot.' The reader realizes that the black boy is bulled in his hometown in America. While on his trip to America, the narrator learns that black people are discriminated against and denied equal opportunities. Consequently, the book focuses on racism and the ill-treatment of black people. The black boy is bullied by being nicknamed 'Soot', implying that he is as black as charcoal.
The symbolism of immorality
The protagonist's sexual escapades symbolize promiscuity in the hotel where he sleeps with a married woman. The woman knows that she is married, by she betrays her husband by sleeping with a stranger. The protagonist is also depicted as a womanizer because after being caught sleeping with a married woman, he also starts another intimate relationship with the receptionist.
The narrator's US tour.
The narrator's trip to the US symbolizes his determination to promote his authorship. The narrator is determined to become a renowned author, and his trip aims to popularise his art of writing. The reader learns that the narrator’s zeal is to make his book best selling enables him to win a National Book Award.
The symbolism of self-reflection
The narrator's courage and resilience in coming to terms with his identity despite the world convincing him otherwise symbolize self-reflection. While in America, the narrator faces discrimination, and he witnesses the brutal murder of blacks. However, the narrator is not ready to assimilate because he believes in his identity and origin. Therefore, the narrator is determined to discover himself in a complex world.
