Walk Two Moons Symbolism
by Sydney Liao
Summary of Walk Two Moons
Sharon Creech's novel Walk Two Moons is about a 13-year-old girl named Sal. She is going to Lewiston, Idaho with her grandparents by car to visit her mom's grave and tells Phoebe's story to her grandparents on the way.
Thesis Statement
Throughout the novel Walk Two Moons, Sharon Creech uses symbolism to help the reader understand why some objects are important.
Symbol 1: Tulips
One of the symbols that frequently shows up throughout the novel is tulips. When Sal's mom leaves on her trip, she writes a letter for Sal that says she will be back by the time the tulips bloom. "She wanted me to know that she would think of me every minute and that she would be back before the tulips bloomed." (Creech 110). Another time tulips are used is to name Sal's younger sister who died before her birth. "'We should name the baby anyway,' he said. 'Do you have any suggestions?'\ The name came to me from the air. 'Tulip,' I said." (Creech 149). Tulips are used when there is a loss. Tulips are always mentioned when someone leaves for a long time. Tulips symbolize rebirth because the memory of Sal's mom is in everything, so it seems like she lives at Sal's house in Bybanks, Kentucky, and the tulips bloom every Spring. This symbol helps the reader understand some significant things in Sal's life.
Symbol 2: Trees
Another symbol that is frequently talked about is trees. One time Sharon used trees is when Sal's mom kisses a maple tree in Bybanks, Kentucky. "She took several quick steps to the trunk of a maple, threw her arms around it, and kissed that tree soundly." (Creech 122). Another time trees are used is when Sal prays to trees on her trip. "I prayed to trees. This was easier than praying directly to God. There was nearly always a tree nearby." (Creech 7). Trees are used whenever there is a birdsong from the "Singing Tree" or when Sal prays. Trees symbolize Sal's mom because she loves trees, so when Sal prays to trees, she also prays to her mom. With this symbol, you see things of importance that have special meaning in Sal's life.