The novel Brother Man is a very symbolic book. I agree with this statement, mainly because a majority of the novel containes a biblical allusion towards Jesus Christ' life and experience here on earth. Although, the biblical allusion was most concentrted towards the end of the book there are various sections in the book which make references to Christ.
Brother Man, (the main character) said to be a 'Ras Tafirite' allows his choice in religion to be symbolic also, because he allows it to influence what activities he engages in. Also, it plays a part in determining howhe speaks and acts. His way of life is symbolic in the story, as he is set apart as the 'holy man of God'.
Other symbols that are present in the book that support the statement that Brother Man is a symbolic book, (especially for superstition). For example, the owl which flew over Cordelia's house (page 9), the dog which stood on its haunches and bayed at the moon(page9), the sighting of 'Old Mag' (pages 70-72), the various sections that pertain to the other significance of the flashback for Brother Man(on pages 154-156), the man who walks around naked to the waist and carries a knife is also a significant symbol to the plot.
The author of this novel recognizes different symbols and symbolic behaviour and portrays them to his readers in such a way to encourage our interest and broaden our knowledge, especially of the (Jamaican) setting andof some of the themes, such as superstition and obeah, and love, lust and the types of abuse.
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