Rumble in the Water: The Significance of the Fish in \"Rumble Fish\"
\"Rumble Fish\" is a classic novel by S.E. Hinton that captures the essence of teenage angst and rebellion in the 1960s. While the story follows the lives of a group of troubled teenagers, there is a specific symbol that stands out throughout the book: the fish. This article will delve into the significance of the fish in \"Rumble Fish\" and its relevance to the overall theme of the novel.
The Fish as a Symbol of Freedom
The fish is featured prominently throughout the book, starting from the very first chapter. Rusty-James, the protagonist, has a fascination with the fish and sees it as a symbol of freedom. He describes the fish as being \"big and beautiful and strong,\" and envies its ability to \"go anywhere it wanted.\" This obsession with the fish becomes a running theme throughout the book, and is a symbol of Rusty-James' longing for a life outside of the confines of his small town and troubled existence.
Furthermore, the fish represents Rusty-James' desire to escape his past and start anew. In one scene, he becomes fixated on the fish and proclaims that he wants to catch it so he can set it free. This desire to free the fish, in turn, represents his own desire to break free from the constraints of his life and start over with a clean slate.
The Fish as a Symbol of Mortality
The fish also serves as a symbol of mortality and inevitable death. In one pivotal scene, Rusty-James witnesses his brother, the Motorcycle Boy, kill a rival gang member while fishing at the river. After the Motorcycle Boy kills the fish with his bare hands, he gives a profound speech about how life is fleeting and everything must eventually die. This scene is a turning point for Rusty-James, as he begins to realize the significance of mortality and his own mortality, which in turn, drives him to confront his own demons.
The fish's mortality is also foreshadowing for the Motorcycle Boy's fate. As the novel progresses, it becomes clear that the Motorcycle Boy is struggling with his own mortality and identity, and he eventually meets a tragic end. The fish's death in the hands of the Motorcycle Boy serves as a metaphor for the Motorcycle Boy's own mortality, and the inevitability of death for all the characters in the book.
The Fish as a Symbol of Brotherhood
Finally, the fish serves as a symbol of brotherhood and the bond between Rusty-James and the Motorcycle Boy. Despite their differences and past conflicts, the two brothers share a mutual love and fascination with the fish. At the beginning of the novel, Rusty-James is trying to create a name for himself in the gang world, but ultimately comes to realize that his greatest connection and loyalty is to his brother.
The fish serves as a symbol of their bond, and it becomes clear throughout the book that the two brothers share a deep connection that transcends their troubled past and current struggles. In one poignant scene, Rusty-James and the Motorcycle Boy stand by the river, watching the fish swim by. Rusty-James reflects on their relationship, stating that \"we never had to talk, because we had the rhythm of love to work on.\" This moment highlights the bond between the two brothers and the deep love they have for each other.
In conclusion, the fish serves as a powerful symbol in \"Rumble Fish,\" representing freedom, mortality, and brotherhood. It is a metaphor for the characters' struggles and desires, and captures the essence of teenage angst and rebellion. Through the fish, S.E. Hinton creates a multi-dimensional world that explores the complexities of human relationships and the desire for something more in life.