Questions About Joe Cinque's Consolation: A True Story of Death, Grief and the Law

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Answered Questions (3)

What do you think the front cover of this book symbolises? The picture of the green apples?

Holly The apples seem to be a recurring motif throughout this book. Garner first notices the a bowl of Granny Smith apples in the background of the crime sc…moreThe apples seem to be a recurring motif throughout this book. Garner first notices the a bowl of Granny Smith apples in the background of the crime scene photos taken at Antill Street. She is shocked by the contrast of the apple's bright cheeriness against the oppressive bleak atmosphere captured in the rest of the photos.

The apples are given context when it is explained that Rao fetched Joe the apples to satisfy his hunger, as commanded by Singh. Later, a friend recounts to Garner Joe's love of apples and his naive belief that an apple a day would keep him in perfect health.

I think the apple is symbolic of Joe's wholesomeness and ripe potential. The apple also symbolizes his innocence in the belief that he could come to no harm. Imagery of Snow White's poisoned apple is invoked.(less)

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I remember Anu Singh mentioning She wanted to kill herself and Joe as part of the Suicide pact, because she doesn't want him to feel depressed once she commits suicide. But how come she didn't kill herself and Joe being dead. Was it all part of a stage drama just to kill Joe only and for her to be alive??? I really want to read this book by the way.