Red Sky at Morning
The novel’s title is an allusion to the line “Red sky at morning, sailor take warning”, from the poem The Rime of the Ancient Mariner by Samuel Taylor Coleridge. This phrase was traditionally used by mariners to warn against bad weather, as it is commonly thought that a red sky in the morning means that a storm is coming. Bradford could have chosen this phrase for the title of his book, as the “storm” in this context is World War II, which caused disruption and chaos to everyone involved in a way that is comparative to a storm.
The American West
In this text, there is a contrast created between Josh’s original home in Alabama, and his new home in New Mexico. Bradford presents Sagrado as being unspoiled and uncorrupted. Josh’s parents originally bought the summer house in Sagrado as they thought it was pure and enjoyed the natural beauty of the landscapes and scenery. There is a suggestion that this town is untouched by the modern world, and for that reason it is pristine and natural. The rural location and small population of the town is emphasized, which illustrates this idea.
The Last Meal
While Josh and his family are still living in Mobile, they have their last meal together. This last meal is an allusion to the biblical “last supper.” This last meal symbolizes the fact that this is the last time they will have a family meal before things change dramatically. This last meal also foreshadows Josh’s father’s death later in the novel.
Games
Josh meets other teenagers while he is living in Sagrado, and they teach him the games that they usually play. Marcia and Steenie teach him one game called “chicken”. The game involves touching a dead horse: “the object of the game is to walk, or run, to the horse, touch it with your hand, and walk, or run, back to the starting point.” Josh accidentally trips and falls on the horse’s body. He feels sick, and his friends find it hilarious.
The games that Marcia and Steenie show Josh represents local culture. Josh does not understand the game and doesn’t play properly, which represents his unfamiliarity with their culture. However, the fact he plays the game represents the fact that he is willing to try and understand the local culture.
