The Rifle

Questions About The Rifle

by Gary Paulsen

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Can someone please tell me what the rifle symbolizes in the book? I need to do a project about this book in english. It would be very helpful, thanks :)
Kathleen The rifle is not a static symbol; it changes over time. It starts as a source of pride and joy to the maker and the owner Byam. Byam's shooting gains …moreThe rifle is not a static symbol; it changes over time. It starts as a source of pride and joy to the maker and the owner Byam. Byam's shooting gains notoriety almost to the point of the gun becoming "magical". It becomes forgotten and when it is found again we see the attitude of the owners has shifted. The rifle is no longer a tool, a weapon that is cared for but one that is tossed into closets or used in barter as something that might be valuable, but not really appreciated or understood. Finally, when the rifle is placed next to the tacky velvet Elvis painting, we come to understand that it now symbolizes carelessness, and it has devolved into a symbol of machismo and misguided understandings of freedom.(less)
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