September 11 victims
The September 11 victims of the U.S.A. terror attack symbolize diversified cultures and ethnicities from all parts of the world. Morrison's 'The Dead September 11' essay was published by Vanity Fair to address the devastating impact of the terrorist attack that claimed the lives of hundreds and leaving thousands injured. Morrison writes the essay 'The Dead September 11' using neutral language because the victims symbolize the diversity of cultures and ethnicities from all parts of the world.
Ardelia
The author uses Ardelia as a symbol of optimism. Ardelia is Morrison's grandmother, and she lived to witness all the oppression directed against blacks in America. Unlike John, Morrison's grandfather, Ardelia is hopeful that future America would accommodate all races and treat them equally. Ardelia's predictions are becoming realistic after realizing that America is making tremendous progress in addressing the issues that affect black people.
The canon
The canon symbolically represents the new dawn in American literature that embraces diversity. In the essay 'Unspeakable Things Unspoken: The Afro-American Presence in America Literature,' Morrison is pushing for the appreciation of African-American literature in the canon of American fiction. The acceptance of African literature in American canon fiction is a big step in motivating and appreciating black literature.
The Little Black Sambo
The Little Black Sambo symbolizes rampant racism in the U.S.A. against blacks and other minority groups. In the essay 'Rediscovering Black History,' Morrison talks about the stereotyping of black people in America for the past century. Some of the discriminatory aspects described by the author include the exclusion of black lawn jockeys and the prohibition of books about Little Black Sambo. Consequently, the prohibition of the books about the Little Sambo depicts racial discrimination against the blacks.
