Symbols

Your exam question also asks you to focus on the symbols found in “Eel” by Stefanie Seddon. The symbols in the story come together to create Archie’s coming of age story. He is still a child, but he wants to grow up. Generally speaking, Archie is not aware of the changes he goes through, which suggest this is only the beginning of his transition from childhood into adulthood.

Ted

Ted, the main character’s oldest brother, is a symbolic character. Although this is not specifically addressed in the story, he is a strong and independent young man who most likely represents a grown-up version of who Archie wants to be. It is interesting to note that Archie does not seem to want to be like his father or like his slightly older brothers. This is probably because his other brothers, the twins, are not grown-ups themselves.

Archie’s ironic attitude towards Ted (ll. 9-11) reveals that Archie is possibly envious of him and his trip to Hokitika. Various other remarks show that Archie observes Ted’s behavior, specifically the type of behavior that indicates Ted is knowledgeable, manly, and independent. For example, Archie remarks a key difference between Ted and himself: “Once tangled in a knot of fibres, those teeth stick fast. Ted knew this. I did not.” (l. 28). This emphasizes Ted's experience and knowledge.

Ted is also described as “trampling the ferns under his big shearer’s boots”, which emphasizes Ted’s manliness. Later, Ted is sho...