An Analysis of Symbolism in "A Wall of Fire Rising" Anonymous College

A Wall of Fire Rising by Edwidge Danticat depicts the emotions of guilt and regret in a financially struggling family in Haiti. The focal character of the story, Guy, suffers from this guilt and regret as the father of his family, longing for a better life for himself and his family. Guy’s fascination with a wealthy man’s hot air balloon is symbolic of this longing and wish to succeed in life. Throughout the story, Guy makes several failed attempts to take control of his life and solve his family’s financial crisis. With each failure, the weight Guy carries becomes heavier and drives him into a deeper depression.

The hot air balloon is first introduced as the family takes a walk into town. The hot air balloon, owned by a son of a wealthy factory owner, the same factory that Guy is on the waiting list to be employed by, is symbolic of excess and grandeur. As Guy marvels at the balloon, he tells his wife, “I wager you I could make this balloon fly,” (416). This comment appears to be trivial and nothing more than a poor man admiring a rich man’s possessions. However, his obsession with the balloon and flying away from his life gradually intensifies as time goes on.

The setting of this story takes place in Haiti, a country that...