49 pages • 1 hour read
Holly Goldberg SloanThe Elephant In The Room
Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2021A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Symbols & Motifs
The Ripple Effect
The ripple effect, the notion that small actions can have extensive and unforeseen consequences, is a recurring motif in the novel that supports the theme of Overcoming Isolation Through Family and Community Bonds. Nearly every event in the story can be traced back to a chain of interconnected actions, illustrating the far-reaching impact of seemingly insignificant choices.
For instance, Sila's simple act of helping her father design business cards adorned with an elephant logo sets off a chain reaction of events. These cards, distributed during their walks, catch the attention of Gio, who later contacts Alp after a disappointing experience at a dealership. This initial interaction ultimately blossoms into a deep friendship between Sila and Gio, culminating in the acquisition of Veda, the elephant, and the forging of new connections between Sila, Mateo, and others.
Another instance of the ripple effect is in Sila's inadvertent discovery of discrepancies in her mother's coworker's paycheck. This seemingly innocuous action of looking at a paycheck triggers a series of events leading to Oya's deportation back to Turkey, catalyzed by her confrontation with her employer and her employer's subsequent involvement with immigration authorities. Sila's curiosity inadvertently becomes the start of the central conflict of the narrative. Similarly, Sila's decision to wear her mother's sweater paves the way for her friendship with Mateo, which leads to pivotal encounters with Rosa and eventually results in Oya's return from Turkey and a significant legal victory against her former employer.
Ultimately, the ripple effect prompts the formation of a close-knit community comprising Gio, the Tekins, and the Lopezes. Through these connections, the characters find support, belonging, and strength in each other, emphasizing the transformative power of collective action and solidarity.
Elephants
Elephants serve as a multifaceted motif, bolstering all of the novel’s central themes: overcoming isolation through family and community bonds, The Role of Empathy in Cultivating Relationships, and Solidarity and Advocacy in the Face of Injustice.
On one level, there are the tangible elephants, Veda and Mahdi, whose presence underscores various themes, such as the importance of family and community, the prevalence of prejudice and injustice, and the significance of empathy and understanding. As highly social creatures, the elephants' enduring bond despite years of separation underscores the importance of familial and communal ties. Moreover, their shared history as former circus elephants sheds light on the pervasive issues of prejudice and injustice, highlighting the plight of animals subjected to abuse and exploitation. Despite their traumatic experiences, both Veda and Mahdi demonstrate their resilience and capacity for empathy, refusing to let their past define their interactions with humans. Instead, they serve as reminders of the power of understanding and compassion, inspiring the characters to confront their own prejudices and biases.
However, the metaphorical "elephants in the room" also play a crucial role in shaping the characters' experiences. This expression, signifying unaddressed issues or problems, manifests in several instances within the story. Sila's abrupt change in behavior following her mother's departure to Turkey is one such elephant. Despite the obvious impact of her mother's absence, Sila avoids discussing her feelings of guilt and responsibility, allowing them to fester and isolate her further. Only when she confronts this elephant in the room and confides in Gio about her longing for her mother's return does Sila begin to find healing.
Similarly, Mateo's silence serves as another unspoken elephant in the room. Once a talkative child, Mateo withdraws into silence, leaving others to speculate about the cause of his sudden change. While the root of Mateo's silence remains unaddressed, Sila and Gio's empathetic efforts to understand and connect with him ultimately help alleviate his isolation and restore his voice.
The Dung Pile
The dung pile is a symbol of empathy and interconnectedness that transcends its initial appearance as mere waste to embody the deeper theme of the role of empathy in cultivating relationships. It is related to the motif of the ripple effect.
For Mateo, collecting dung becomes a testament to the rapport and comfort he shares with Sila and Gio. Gio's sincere consideration of Mateo's suggestion, coupled with his willingness to compensate the children for their efforts, underscores the initial empathy and understanding that kickstart the creation of the dung pile.
As Mateo delves deeper into the concept, proposing the pile’s relocation outside the wall and suggesting its use as fertilizer, the dung pile becomes a tangible manifestation of understanding. Despite initial skepticism, Gio empowers Mateo and Sila to take charge of this venture, providing them with a hands-on learning experience in running a business. This collaborative effort not only fosters empathy but also highlights Gio's commitment to facilitating the children's educational growth through practical engagement.
Moreover, the dung pile is an example of the ripple effect in motion. As elephants digest only a portion of their intake, their waste becomes a magnet for insects, birds, and other animals, while the seeds within it germinate and sprout into vegetation. Mateo's simple proposal to relocate the dung thus triggers a chain reaction, fundamentally altering the ecosystem of Gio's farm. This transformation underscores the profound impact of small actions, echoing the overarching motif of the ripple effect throughout the narrative.
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By Holly Goldberg Sloan
