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Symbols are objects, characters, figures, and colors used to represent abstract ideas or concepts.
Fire
Fire symbolizes the uncontrollable element of human nature that cannot be regulated or removed. In this world, society has largely eradicated most forms of death, save one: fire. No matter the safety precautions the Thunderhead employs, it has not conquered fire, and everyone still fears it as it can lead to permanent death. Just as the Thunderhead cannot fully quench fire, the Thunderhead and Scythedom cannot fully control humanity. Rowan rebels against Goddard by killing him and then destroying his and his associates’ bodies with fire, then becomes a vigilante who destroys corrupt scythes with fire. Ironically, Rowan uses the very symbol of unconquerable human nature to destroy Goddard’s legacy, which had sought to destroy humanity and saw little value in it.
Scythe Regalia
Scythe regalia, such as the scythes’ distinctive robes and rings, symbolizes both the profession of scything and scythes’ individual personalities. Scythes repeatedly struggle to reconcile their personal selves with their professional personas, and their regalia allows them some measure of public identification with both sides of themselves while also distinguishing them from the rest of humanity. The rings serve a practical purpose, allowing scythes to confer immunity on people and protect those with immunity from gleanings. However, Scythes can further modify the rings, as Faraday adds extra security features to his. Their colorful robes, which can traditionally be any color but black, also vividly depict their otherness and allow them to display their individual personalities, though excessive flair suggests a dangerous arrogance and flippancy. For example, Goddard and his cohort of scythes go even further than picking their own color, decorating their robes with extravagant jewels that are a physical manifestation of Goddard’s overt greed, while Scythe Goodall commissions ridiculous designer robes. Still, throughout the novel, regalia allows scythes to signal their unique place in society while also displaying their individuality and pride in an occupation that provides limited opportunities for self-expression and requires much personal sacrifice.
Names
Names symbolize scythes’ personalities and self-perceptions. Adopting a new name is an integral aspect of ordaining a new scythe which allows them to separate themselves from their past while also revealing much about their personality. Citra’s unusual decision to choose Anastasia as her Patron Historic—a first name and one from an unimportant historical figure—indicates her fierce independence as well as her keen sense of compassion and justice. Scything is a lifestyle as much as a profession, so the revelation of a character’s real name is always a moment of great personal intimacy and vulnerability. Curie indicates her great trust in and growing affection for Citra when she tells her she used to be a Susan, while Volta signals his rejection of Goddard’s teachings by telling Rowan his real name is Shawn Dobson. Nicknames also serve a purpose outside of Scythedom. The nickname Rowan coins, “lettuce kids,” becomes the moniker of a school club for all those who feel neglected in their families. Just as the scythes do, these teenagers have adopted a new nickname that symbolizes their self-perception and distinguishes them from their families of origin. Indeed, the nickname they embrace serves as a pointed criticism of their family dynamics.
