-NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR JOELLE CHARBONNEAU-
GRADUATION DAY
SYMBOLS
A symbol is literary device that contains several layers of meaning, often concealed at first sight, and is representative of several other aspects, concepts or traits than those that are visible in the literal translation alone. Symbol is using an object or action that means something more than its literal meaning.
Crossed Lightning Bolts
Transit Communicator
The crossed lightning bolts is the most important symbol in Graduation Day. This is the symbol that Raffe creates for the small group that Cia forms to carry out her mission. On page 144, Raffe presents Cia with the symbol before explaining that, "Symbols are important, especially to those embarking on change... In mythology, lightning represents either the loss of ignorance or punishment for those who overstep their bounds. I used two bolts since we intend to do both." The symbol also uses Cia's original symbol, a single lightning bolt, marking Cia as the leader of the group.
The Transit Communicator is also a very important symbol in Graduation Day. This is the symbol that has reaccured through all 3 books of The Testing Trilogy. The Transit Communicator represents home and family for Cia. It is one of the last items that Cia has from her home in Five Lakes Colony.The Transit Communicator proves to be very helpful to Cia in helping her keep some of her Testing memories and survivng the University. When Cia discusses the Transit Communicator she even admits, "I wouldn't have made it through the last couple of months without it." (Charbonneau, Page 6)