Symbolism in The Short Story Trapline (Essay Example)

In the short story “Traplines,” the characterization of the father’s relationship with Christopher shows that love can be expressed through interactions as opposed to words. The box found by the narrator is being passed down through generations. It symbolizes a sense of indirect communication of love between father and son. This essay is based on a thorough analysis of the box, which reveals their relationship and how they maintain it. 

Near the end of the story, the narrator and his son find the fishing box. The toolbox comes to symbolize how love can be expressed through interactions. Having that toolbox represents that the narrator went fishing with no father who might have been about to tell him that he loved him. For the son, having that toolbox represents that he and his father talked about going fishing in the future. The narrator proposes, “Maybe you and I can do some fishing” (46). This quote reveals the narrator’s intentions of spending time with his son to strengthen their father-son bond. It is also revealed that later on in the story, the son proposes to go fishing as well. 

The story expresses love in the words of a mother. Before Christopher’s departure to university, the narrator’s wife says, “Say something” (46). This quote reveals that the narrator did not express his feelings through words. Rather, the narrator gives his toolbox to Christopher and says, “My father gave me that box. It was his father” (46). The narrator was not exactly given the toolbox. Rather, he found it and gave it to Christopher. The author is implying that the box is being passed down as a way to maintain their relationship. This action is in contrast to what Christopher's mother wants but in a different way. The narrator has his ways of expressing his own emotions through actions.

Throughout the story, the narrator’s personality and choices are unique in a way where the father expresses his love for Christopher through interactions. The toolbox throughout the story symbolizes the indirect communication of love between Christopher and his father. The box is passed down from father to son in order to maintain the many relationships in the family. In addition, the indirect forms of communication and personalities are passed down through these interactions. Christopher’s mother in opposition is more typical of expressing her love through words. Although the narrator expresses his love through actions. To conclude, people have their ways of expressing their emotions.