The symbolism of the abusive relationship
The marriage between Desiree and Sam is chaotic, symbolizing abusive relationships. Desiree gets married to Sam while she is a young girl, and she ends up unhappy. Desiree realizes that she does not love Sam because he physically abuses her. Similarly, Sam is domineering and manipulative. Therefore, the reader comprehends that marriage is not always blissful, but it can be a source of sorrow.
Kennedy as a symbol of racism
Kennedy symbolizes the racist attitude towards people of color. Kennedy hates blacks because she sees herself as superior to blacks. However, Kennedy does not know that her mother, Stella, is a black woman who has pretended that she is white because she is light-skin. Consequently, Kennedy represents the hatred of white people against blacks.
The symbolism of betrayal
Early Jones is a symbol of betrayal because instead of telling Sam the whereabouts of Desiree, he decides to help her escape. When Desiree gets tired of the abusive relationship with Sam, she decides to run away. However, she is lucky to escape because Early Jones helps her go unnoticed. Therefore, Jones betrays Sam by helping Desiree disappear.
The symbol of injustice
Leon's death symbolizes the lack of justice for the blacks. While at his home, Leon is attacked by five white people who beat him mercilessly and think he is dead. However, Leon survives and is taken to hospital. Unfortunately, the white men also follow him to the hospital in which they shoot him several times, and he dies. The cause of the murder was never investigated by the authorities showing impartiality in the administration of justice.
