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Louise Erdrich's "The Red Convertible" unfolds a poignant story of how war reshapes the brotherly connection between Henry and Lyman. Through the subtle language of symbolism, Erdrich exposes the emotional struggles Henry faces upon his return from Vietnam and explores Lyman's journey in navigating the separation and the lasting impact of war on their relationship. At the heart of this narrative is the red convertible, a symbol that mirrors the joyous camaraderie before the war and the subsequent turmoil that follows.
The red convertible, cleverly chosen by Erdrich, encapsulates the essence of Henry and Lyman's profound friendship.
In the story's outset, the brothers invest all their resources in acquiring a red Oldsmobile, a shared possession that becomes a symbol of their inseparable companionship. This car becomes the vessel for their joint adventures, carrying them across Canada and the continent. During this phase, the convertible symbolizes the carefree joy and deep closeness characterizing their relationship before the grim specter of war cast its shadow.
As the narrative unfolds, Erdrich skillfully illustrates the transformative impact of war on their relationship through Lyman's symbolic act of disassembling the red convertible.
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Henry's departure for war marks a turning point, and upon his return, he is a visibly changed and scarred individual. The once cherished red convertible becomes a neglected relic, mirroring the fractures in Henry's connection not only with the car but also with Lyman. The car, now damaged, serves as a poignant reflection of the strained and "banged up" relationship between the two brothers.
Henry's distress over the car's deteriorated state serves as a metaphor for the anxieties that plague soldiers about the uncertain future of their relationships post-war.
As Henry expresses, "When I left, that car was running like a watch. Now I don't even know if I can get it to start again, let alone get it anywhere near its old condition" (pg397). Here, Erdrich deftly utilizes symbolism to convey the soldiers' apprehensions that their bonds may never be the same, or worse, may become casualties of the war itself.
Notably, the process of Henry repairing the convertible serves as a symbolic representation of his attempt to mend his fractured relationship with Lyman. The restored car becomes a hopeful sign, prompting Henry to invite Lyman for a ride. However, the optimism is short-lived, and tragedy strikes when Henry, unable to cope with the haunting realities of war, drowns himself. The red convertible, once a symbol of joy and togetherness, is now forever lost, paralleling the irreparable damage inflicted on the brothers' relationship.
Erdrich skillfully weaves the demise of the red convertible with Henry's death and the disintegration of his connection with Lyman. The poignant line, "Now Henry owns the whole car, and his younger brother... walks everywhere he goes" (pg398), underscores the profound impact of war on relationships. The symbolism employed here resonates deeply, illustrating how relationships, initially robust, crumble under the weight of war, leaving enduring scars on those left behind.
Erdrich employs her short story as a vehicle to convey a powerful message – the Vietnam War's harrowing effects extend beyond the soldiers who participated in it to the people who knew them before the conflict. She paints a starkly realistic picture of war, portraying soldiers not as mere warriors, but as human beings profoundly affected by emotions and irreparably damaged by the ravages of war. Through the adept use of symbolism, Erdrich emphasizes that war's repercussions are far-reaching, akin to death, affecting everyone and everything entwined with the soldier's life.
In conclusion, "The Red Convertible" stands as a poignant exploration of the emotional toll war exacts on relationships. Through the evocative symbolism of the red convertible, Erdrich masterfully captures the trajectory of Henry and Lyman's fraternal bond – from idyllic harmony to the devastating aftermath of war. The story serves as a powerful reminder that the impact of war transcends the battlefield, seeping into the very fabric of human connections and leaving an indelible mark on those left behind.
The Impact of War on Relationships in "The Red Convertible". (2016, Nov 11). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/the-red-convertible-review-essay
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