The Red Convertible

This story was fantastic. One thing I picked up on was the how the convertible seemed to reflect Henry. Lyman describes when they first saw the car, it looked "reposed, calm and gleaming," which reflect Henry at that point in the story (3388). When Lyman damages the convertible, Henry doesn't just see a dented up car; instead, he sees a reflection of himself in the dented metal, as if it signified his own pain and suffering. Henry begins repairing the car, but realizes he cannot fix himself in the same way. When he drowns, Lyman brings the convertible to the same resting place, showing in fact that the car does reflect Henry, even to Lyman.

Another thing I found interesting was Lyman's narration. He refers to his recounts in past tense, but he never quotes Henry in past tense, always present. This made my heart heavy, as it shows Lyman's inability to let his brother die, something I think we can all relate to. He loved his brother, and it is hard to accept loss in any form.