Determine a symbol for each of your characters. What tangible item can represent something abstract about them? Explain your reason for your selection.

       My dad held the bike steady as my 6 year old sister climbed on. He kept hold of the seat of the bike as my sister tried to balance, steer, and pedal at the same time. She was struggling. This was just last weekend. I'm sure we can all kind of remember the first time we rode on a two- wheeler- the initial feeling of pure superiority followed by the feeling of pure fear. But soon, we would figure out that the key to riding a bike without training wheels was... JUST KEEP PEDALING. This was literally the only thing we had to do. Which brings me to this quote by Albert Einstein: “Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.” I've come across a myriad number of inspiring quotes and most times I just think to myself, "Oh that's a neat way to view it." However, this quote really stuck with me; probably because it made so much sense. 

       There are 3 main characters in my book: Raphael, Rat, and Gardo. All of whom are dump site boys who make a living by digging through the trash. I think all three of them symbolize a bicycle. They have all endured so much difficulty and trouble throughout their life, but when they fall, they just brush themselves off and keep going. Raphael was taken by the police and tortured for information he had, but even in pain, he stood his ground and refused to give into the bullying. "My chair turned over and the side of my face was split. I fell badly, and my wrist was bend under me, and I saw him standing over me and I thought he was going to start kicking. (pg67)" They are the epitomes of perseverance. They've learned that when the going gets tough, they need to stand up and power through. 

       However, I think that these three individuals further represents a specific part of the bicycle. Gardo symbolizes the handles, because he is the older, tougher, and more mature of the group. He steers where they three of them will be headed too. He steps up as a leader and keeps the boys from heading in the wrong direction. ("Gardo's my partner... he looks after me." (pg7)) Rat can be compared to the wheels. He gives the group stability. Even though he is little, scrawny, and a bit roughed up, he provides the happiness and comfort that keeps the group going. He also supports the group financially with his 2000 pesos. Finally Raphael symbolizes the chains. He is the basic item that keeps the "bike" running. He found the wallet that led to their entire adventure and he just makes sure everything's is in place. 

       Overall, I think that the author did a great job depicting how hard life is for these boys, but also how strong and hardworking they are to make the best of the situation.

Check out this link for more information about Trash:

http://www.andymulliganbooks.com/trash/