The Persimmon Tree

(AGG) Since the beginning of time, when early humans created images on cave walls, symbolism has been used to create a deeper, more meaningful picture. (BS-1)Throughout the book Under The Persimmon Tree main characters, Najmah and Nusrat have connections with stars on the surface, because their families have taught them. (BS-2)The author, Staples communicates distance from the character's families when the stars are weak and unfamiliar. (BS-3)On the other hand, there were clear connections between the stars and characters, portraying they are heading in the correct direction for family. (TS) Evidently, in Staples’ Under The Persimmon Tree uses symbolism of the stars to convey a deeper meaning of guidance towards family. (MIP-1) Both main
(SIP-A) For instance, both characters see the stars are not in their typical form, portraying that they are a part from family. (STEWE-1) For example, after the Taliban took Najmah’s brother and father away, she saw unusual stars. When Najmah is alone in the fields, the bursts of light are scary and unfamiliar, “I have never seen such bursts of light-so many lines going in every direction-I can find nothing among the stars that is recognized. Are the americans shooting stars out of the sky? I lie awake the rest of the night in terror, with the stars exploding in a heaven that seems close enough to touch”(64). Clearly, the stars are different than she is used to and leaves Najmah fearful, the author is demonstrating how Najmah is afraid of what happens next, now that a major part of her family is gone. (STEWE-2) Too add, Nusrat is at unease with the stars when she talking to her husband. The stars reflect cold light and messages back to Nusrat, “But this night the stars and planets send back to her nothing but cold, brilliant light and silence. They do not look like kindly messengers from her love. She thinks of the Pashtu saying that the stars are holes in the sky through which people in heaven look back at those who still love them. Tonight, she thinks, they look like fire, rock, and ice-elemental, impersonal. In that second she realizes Faiz is not coming back”(120-121) These cold, dark stars are just something in the sky, but the author uses the stars be the realization that Nusrat’s husband is dead. When the stars are weak and dark, she lost a family member and is away from her goal towards family. (SIP-B) Additionally, when the stars are not in view or fading, Najmah is losing the clarity of family. (STEWE-1) For example, Najamah does not see the stars when she is thinking of her family. The stars al-Qutb is