Prophecies and Fate: Decoding the Symbolism in ‘Look Upon Me’ by Sharon Monk

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In Sharon Monk’s novel Look Upon Me, the themes of prophecy and fate serve as powerful narrative tools that drive the story forward, creating tension and emotional depth. These themes, which often intertwine with the characters’ lives, reflect the greater questions of destiny, choice, and the influence of the supernatural. Through a deep exploration of symbolism, Monk invites readers to consider how much control we truly have over our lives and whether our paths are preordained by forces beyond our understanding.

Prophecies as Catalysts for Change

One of the central devices in Look Upon Me is the prophecy given by the mysterious gypsy, who forewarns Ruby about the fates of her twins, Michael and Maggie. This moment doesn’t just create a sense of foreboding but also serves as a catalyst for the unfolding drama in the book. Prophecies in literature often represent a moment where the future is revealed, yet their meanings are not always clear at the outset. Monk uses the prophecy not only to set up the story’s tension but also to reflect a larger commentary on how such foretellings can influence human behavior.

In the novel, the prophecy challenges Ruby’s perception of her life and family, planting the seed of doubt and anxiety that haunts her throughout the narrative. This mirrors how many cultures view prophecies: as unavoidable truths or warnings that require action. However, Monk adds complexity to this by showing that even with the knowledge of what is to come, the characters are not entirely free to change their fates, thereby blurring the line between free will and destiny.

Fate and Family Ties: The Inescapable Web

Fate, in Look Upon Me, is intricately tied to the relationships between the characters, particularly within Ruby’s family. The novel suggests that familial bonds are not just physical or emotional but also metaphysical, as Ruby’s connection to her children is constantly influenced by the prophecy’s weight. The gypsy’s prediction creates a symbolic link between Ruby and her children that transcends time, foreshadowing events that seem inescapable no matter what actions are taken.

This inescapability of fate, symbolized by the prophecy, raises philosophical questions about the nature of destiny. Monk uses Ruby’s story to explore whether we can truly escape the paths that are laid out for us, or if we are bound by the forces of fate, even when we attempt to alter the course of our lives. The idea of an inevitable destiny, particularly in relation to family, gives the novel its emotional depth, as characters like Ruby and those around her struggle with their desire for control against the seeming inevitability of their fates.

Symbolism of Light and Darkness: Hope and Despair

Another powerful symbolic element that Monk weaves into Look Upon Me is the contrast between light and darkness, representing hope and despair. The prophecy given by the gypsy is laced with both ominous predictions and small glimmers of hope. Throughout the novel, this balance between the two becomes central to the characters’ experiences. Ruby’s life is shadowed by the potential tragedy that has been foretold, especially concerning Maggie, who is taken and raised by Moira and Amish, travelers who come to love her as their own. Yet, there are moments where light, both literally and metaphorically, breaks through, offering hope for a different outcome.

In this way, Monk uses light and darkness to symbolize the tension between fate and free will. The darkness often represents the unknown or the inevitable, the looming shadow of the prophecy that cannot be avoided. Yet, light moments, where characters find strength or make significant choices, suggest that even within a seemingly predetermined life, there are flashes of agency, moments where individuals can push back against the tide of destiny. This duality is at the heart of Look Upon Me, giving readers an emotional and intellectual journey as they consider whether the characters can change their fates or are doomed to follow them.

The Role of Secrets and Revelation: Hidden Truths in Fate

Secrets play a critical role in Look Upon Me, particularly in how they shape the characters’ perceptions of fate. The prophecy delivered by the gypsy is only the beginning of the secrets that unravel throughout the novel. As Ruby delves deeper into her family’s history and the mysteries surrounding her children, the novel raises questions about how much we are willing to uncover about our own futures and whether knowing the truth about our destinies would change how we live.

Monk uses secrets as symbols of the unknown aspects of fate. Just as Ruby’s mother, Marg, harbors a long-held secret that complicates Ruby’s understanding of the prophecy, the hidden truths in the novel reflect the often complex and unclear nature of fate itself. The act of revelation, whether through a prophecy or a family secret, becomes a powerful moment of clarity, but it also complicates the characters’ lives, showing that the more we know about our destinies, the more conflicted we become.

The Ambiguity of Destiny: Is Fate Fixed or Flexible?

Perhaps the most intriguing element of Look Upon Me is its exploration of whether fate is truly fixed or whether it can be altered by human action. While the prophecy looms large over Ruby’s life and those around her, Monk leaves room for ambiguity. The characters are not passive in the face of fate—they make choices, confront their fears, and attempt to change the outcomes predicted by the gypsy. Yet, the novel subtly suggests that even with all these efforts, fate has a way of reasserting itself, often in unexpected or ironic ways.

This tension between fixed and flexible fate is key to the novel’s symbolism. The prophecy, while seemingly rigid, is open to interpretation, and the characters’ actions, rather than entirely changing their destinies, often seem to lead them back to where they were always meant to be. This ambiguity reflects on the human condition—are we in control of our lives, or are we merely following a path laid out for us by forces beyond our comprehension?

Conclusion: The Lasting Impact of Prophecies and Fate in Look Upon Me

Sharon Monk’s Look Upon Me is a rich, symbol-laden novel that explores the powerful influence of prophecies and fate on the lives of its characters. Through the gypsy’s prophecy, Monk creates a narrative filled with tension, mystery, and emotional complexity, using fate as a lens through which to examine human relationships, free will, and the weight of the unknown. The novel’s use of symbolism, particularly through light and darkness, secrets, and family ties, gives readers a thought-provoking and immersive experience, leaving them questioning the balance between destiny and choice in their own lives.

In Look Upon Me, fate is both a guiding force and a shadow over the characters, reminding us that while we may strive to shape our own destinies, we are often led down paths we never expected to travel.

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