A symbol is a person, place, or object that represents something beyond itself. What might the kites at the end of "A Christmas Memory" represent, or symbolize? Give reasons for your interpretation.

The main interpretation that we can give to the kites at the end of the story is that of innocence and friendship. First, the kites represent innocence, because they are an item usually associated with children. We know that both Buddy and his cousin appreciate childhood. Moreover, they also feel the emotions that we associate with childhood (happiness, freedom, relaxation, etc.) strongly. Therefore, their young spirits are represented by the kites. Second, the kites are a gift, and therefore, are a symbol for the strong friendship that Buddy and his cousin share.

the answers are:

1. dolores driscoll - b. first person minor

dolores is a minor character who happens to be driving the bus at the time of the accident. she narrates picking up each of the children and her last memory is the children being thrown around the bus.

2. billy ansel - a. first person major

billy loses his twins in the accident. he tells his own story, how he witnessed the accident and how he tried to the rescuers. he is a major character, as he is at the center of the story.

3. mitchell stephens - c. first person observer

mitchell enters the story after the accident. he is a lawyer who learns about the accident based on other characters observations. though he tells the story from a first person perspective, he is just an observer.

as for matcthing the message or lesson posted with the person who said them:

1."obviously, you can't control everything, but you are obliged to take care of the few things you can. i'm an optimist basically who acts like a pessimist. on principle. just in case." - dolores driscoll

2. "i could no longer believe even in life. . for me now the only reality was death." - billy ansel