Symbols and motifs

One of the main symbols in the film We Need to Talk About Kevin (2011) directed by Lynn Ramsay is Kevin’s bow and arrow. The only moment in the film in which Kevin and Eva seem to connect is when Kevin is ill and he and Eva cuddle on Kevin’s bed together while Eva reads him the story of Robin Hood (00:55:59). This is the only moment in the film in which the two of them appear to have a typical loving mother-son bond. 

Kevin seems to really love the story of Robin Hood, as he gets a toy bow and arrow and as Franklin teaches him how to use it, Kevin is seen wearing a hat like the one Robin Hood often wears and a similar shirt (00:59:36). By that point, Kevin is back to being disobedient and mean to Eva and he even shoots a toy arrow straight at Eva (00:59:27). This seems to become a hobby for Kevin as he continues to practice using the bow and arrow as he grows up, eventually learning how to use a real bow and arrow (1:00:04). 

It is important to note that while archery is a hobby, the bow and arrow is also a real weapon so it is telling of Kevin’s personality that the only hobby the audience sees him enjoying is one where he must use a weapon. 

There is also a signific...