Symbols And Motifs In David Almond's Skellg

Throughout the novel, readers are shown different symbols and motifs, through the characters actions and characteristics. Feathers and birds are a key motif that helps showcase the theme of freedom and links between birds and Skellig. In addition, evolution is significant in this novel. The way David Almond writes about evolution between Skellig and Mina shows the importance of evolution.

Birds help symbolize the theme of freedom. At the start of the novel Skellig is weak, vulnerable and scared like the baby fledglings. But as he gains strength his need for freedom grows. When Mina mentions ‘How can a bird that is born for joy/sit in a cage and sing?' this shows how much David Almond want us to see the theme of freedom. David Almond embeds these bird-like characteristics into the story to elaborate the similarity to Skellig and birds. Skellig has angel like wings and coughs up owl pellets these traits of Skellig show the connection of birds and Skellig. Owls in this novel help feed and support Skellig to become free. At the end
When Michael first meets him, he asks for ‘Aspirin, 27&53' With these unusual requests throughout the novel it showcases the theme of re-birth. At the start, Skellig is weak until Michael and Mina help him. They provide support by bringing aspirin, 27&53, towards the end of the novel Skellig is reborn with a healthy, fit, body. Skellig metions ‘The dead often eat 27&53’ in the bible 27:53 it says came out of the graves after his resurrection. This is extremely simmular to Skellig, after eating 27&53 he is reborn. Aspirins defitnion is a synthetic compound used medicinally to relieve mild or chronic pain and to reduce fever and inflammation. Skellig’s arthritis gets better after taking aspirin. Before Michael meets Skellig, he is in pain then then when he takes apirin Skelligs heath is renewed. Through this aspirin, 27&53 contributes to the theme of