Introduction
Louise Erdrich’s short story “The Stone” is a masterpiece of symbolism and metaphor. It is written in a third-person perspective, where the observer introduces readers to the life of a young schoolgirl and her various experiences with a stone as she grows into a woman.
First, the stone is unique and separate from the rest, and then she presumes the stone to be a kind of person looking at her. Once her mother discovered that she had picked the rock from the highland and gave her an uneasy look, her feelings towards it changed and became bizarre. After storing her hair in the “sockets” of the rock, she perceives it as the source of her solace.
During her college years, it was a companion, but she broke it, rendering it useless. However, she rediscovers its relevance after her separation from her husband. Although the stone has no universal meaning, the author employs various literary devices to convey the transition.
Evolution of the Meaning of the Stone
The first impression of the stone is that it is unique and pressures the girl as she feels compelled to pick it up and keep it in her room. Notably, she discovered the stone in the bush during a family vacation on an island they frequented every summer (Erdrich 1). In addition, the basalt rock had a symmetrical shape with two holes, giving it a resemblance to an owl. Therefore, the girl found the rock unique and special, carrying it and hitting it with her staff.
There is a paradigm shift in how she relates to the stone after her parents discover it and inquire whether she found it on the island. Her mother gave her an uneasy look, but she felt happy knowing her rock was safe in her closet (Erdrich 1). When Vic cut her hair at school, and everybody scorned her, she felt sad. However, after placing the hair inside the two holes of the rock, she experienced a sense of peace and relief (Erdrich 2). Then each time she was sad, the rock became her solace. She kept it as a companion throughout her college years.
However, one day she intentionally broke the rock and discarded it. But after separating from her husband, she glued it back together and started taking care of it. Whenever she observed that the stone was dry, she poured some olive oil into it (Erdrich 2). She remains firmly attached to the stone and later dreams that they both decay. Thus, in the end, the stone remains her most excellent companion.
Literary Elements Conveying the Changes in Meaning
Notably, the author uses literary elements throughout the story to convey changes in meaning. For instance, she uses a simile when comparing the rock with an owl at the first encounter (Erdrich 1). In many cultures, the owl is a symbol of wisdom and protection. She uses foreshadowing and suspense when the protagonist breaks the stone in the bathroom (Erdrich 3).
The event reflects their marriage with Ted, which starts well but later ends in a separation. The readers are left with suspense about what becomes of the rock after it is broken and discarded in unused drawers. In addition, the author uses the dream to give the readers a tentative guess of the protagonist’s fate and her rock.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Erdrich’s short story employs various stylistic devices to convey the profound connection between the protagonist and the rock. The readers get the impression that there is much meaning to the rock. At each stage of the protagonist’s life since the story starts, she relates to the rock as though it is something precious and dear to her, except when she breaks it. The final reconciliation and happiness are a form of restoration that readers cannot interpret.
Work Cited
Erdrich, Louise “The Stone”. The New Yorker, 2019.