Punch-Drunk Love Symbols, Allegory and Motifs

Punch-Drunk Love Symbols, Allegory and Motifs

Piano

Barry finds a piano that has been dropped off in the street outside his work. He brings it inside; it's a symbol for his desire to reconnect with life in a way that has music in it.

Suit

Barry has bought himself a new blue suit, one that he wears every day. It is a symbol of his desire to be more than he currently is.

Phone

Barry takes his portable phone with him from home into work. It is a symbol of his rage and fear at being extorted by the phone sex company.

Forklift

Barry's employee drives the forklift into the wall while Barry is talking to Lena. He completely ignores the event. This is a symbol that he isn't present in his moment to moment life, and is consumed with rage and fear, but attempts to cover his real state of mind.

Mechanic

Lena drops her car off at the mechanic and leaves it with Barry. It is a symbol of how eager she is to meet Barry.

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