The Japanese Quince Group

Question:

setareh-hj
setareh-hj
Student
High School - 11th Grade

In "The Japanese Quince" what do you think the tree mentioned in the story symbolizes

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Posted by setareh-hj on Wednesday October 1, 2008 at 9:12 AM and tagged with nilson, quince tree, symbols, the japanese quince, theme.

Answers:


  1. ms-mcgregor Teacher
    High School - 12th Grade

    eNotes Editor

    The Japanese Quince most probably symbolizes nature and nature's beauty which Mr. Nilson and Mr. Tandram have both been ignoring for years. Both men are businessmen, accustomed to routine. The author notes that Mr. Nilson is "well known in the City" but he has never met his own neighbor. Their awkward moment together indicates how comfortable Nilson has become with his safe, ordered, and familiar life. Both men are so awkward when meeting each other that, instead of commenting on the rare beauty of the flowering tree, they instead try to name it and thus, categorize it into a nice, neat box. Thus, in a very short time, the author has shown two men, Nilson especially, who is out of touch with those close to him and probably, out of touch with his own emotions.

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/japanese-quince

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    Posted by ms-mcgregor on Wednesday October 1, 2008 at 10:20 AM