4A) While there is possibility for the gold coin to symbolize restraint and ownership, I don’t necessarily see it that way. To me, the act of giving a gold coin could symbolize protection or blessing. By giving the boy a gold coin, the master might be attempting to provide him with a means to prosper in the future. In a way it could act as way to safeguard his financial inheritance and bless him with wealth. Almost like how parents will pray for their children to be successful and have wealth in the future. The “gold” coin, which is recognized for wealth and value, can serve as a future form financial security when he is need of help. However, given the complex power dynamics of their relationship, this act can also be perceived as deeply ironic and problematic. The master’s act of giving a gold coin, while appearing generous, ultimately gives the child a false sense of security. Because why the coin may have value, it does not eradicate the hardships and challenges the child may experience in the future just because of his half black identity.
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I agree. I think the coin may hold symbolic meaning aside from its monetary value, but I do also think that the monetary value can play a role in its significance and I think the way you take it here (saying that it could mean encouraging wealth and prosperity in the future) is a great way to take that. I also think this is a plausible interpretation because, as you say some parents pray for their children’s monetary successes, there are also other coins or pendants people wear on their necks with straightforward meanings. For example, cross pendants are typically representative of religious faith and beliefs in higher powers. I, personally, own a St. Christopher pendant and that symbolizes safe travels. So, again, while the coin could have other meanings I think it is important to try and understand what significance the literal meaning could have as well.
I really like the interpretation that this gesture is quite ironic and problematic. I think that despite the geographical distance between him and his father, the mother and son remain tethered to him through the symbolic weight of the gold necklace. This could symbolize their inability to escape racial subordination. I also think the meanings explored in the comment above are interesting. For instance, it could represent religion or faith, however, I think in the scheme of the novel, it relates closer to that of race.
I feel like the mother’s insistence that the father is one of the great men in the country does not create the sense that she resents him or feels like she is at the behest. Relying on his financial support is not ideal, but even if she was a white woman she probably wouldn’t have been able to provide for her and the narrator given that this story’s setting predates women’s suffrage. The father has deep pockets but cannot proudly own the fact that he had a child with a black woman. In this way, he kind of reminded me of Link. He was helpful in a way, but never able to muster the courage to be publicize that helpfulness