Monkey - “Monkey Business”
The ubiquitous motif of a monkey is an influential emblem that inaugurates the title. Besides, Zizi refers to his son as ‘monkey’ owing to his monkey-like dispositions such as restlessness. Additionally, Yakoub refers to Asfoori’s schedules as “monkey business”: “As he (Zizi) steps out to wave it down, Zizi once again catches sight of Asfoori, with the half-smile and the sandwich sign, still limping his way around the block. And there, still following behind him, is Jameel…(‘monkey business,’ Braheem Yakoub calls it.’)” In the context of “Monkey Business” the monkey is emblematical of inconsequentiality and thrilling edginess that condenses life-related disquiet .
Wedding Ring - “Monkey Business”
A wedding ring symptomatically incarnates an intimate betrothal. Joseph Geha observes, “ Zizi’s bride-to-be is expecting him, waiting to receive the wedding ring of his dead wife.” Issuance of the ring is a believable motion of the forthcoming matrimonial amalgamation between the issuer (the bridegroom) and the recipient (bride). In the falling action, of “Monkey Business”, the bombshell retraction of the wedding ring outrightly rescinds the nuptials.
True Cross - “Through and Through”
The True Cross is totally emblematic of flattering, assured providence. The narrator explicates, “ He (his father) always kept it (True Cross) wrapped in adhesive and slung around his neck on a string. He told people that if he ever lost it, he’d lose all his luck.” The narrator’s father ascribed his providence to the True Cross in mode that depicts it as a godsend magnetism that would precaution him from the antagonistic repercussions of his delinquency seeing that the True Cross is a transcendent icon.
