78 pages • 2 hours read
Steve PembertonA Chance in the World
Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 2012A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Symbols & Motifs
Whaleman’s Memorial
As a child searching the library archives for information about Kenny Pemberton, Steve identifies with the whaler statue. The man in the statue is hunting whales, staring at the horizon. The plaque on the statue says, “A Dead Whale or a Stove Boat” (62). Steve has the spirit of an explorer who is willing to face danger on behalf of a necessary quest.
The plaque presents an unequivocal ultimatum. Either the whaler will succeed or he will be killed. Nevertheless, he continues to search for the whales, even though it might cost him his life. Similarly, even though Steve might uncover unsavory details about his family of origin during his quest, he refuses to give up. He has already experienced tragedy and is capable of moving forward no matter what he discovers.
“God is going to take care of you” (95)
When Steve leaves the Robinson house, he tells Betty that God will take care of her—meaning that God will punish them for mistreating him and others. As Steve’s faith evolves as an adult, he starts to view the words from a different perspective. Although he doesn’t know why she calls him from the hospital, Steve knows that she is suffering and she is vulnerable. He no longer wishes for her to be punished. He believes that God will judge her, but he can accept whatever God’s judgment will be.
The quote in relation to Steve’s personal development reflects that he is allowing his past to have less control over his present and future. There was a time when he wanted revenge on the Robinsons. As an adult, he understands that even wishing the Robinsons ill gives them some control over him.
Letters
Steve spends most of the book learning about his parents through other peoples’ memories. Kenny’s and Marian’s letters are Steve’s only chance to hear them tell their own stories, in their own words.
The letters remind him that everyone has a unique perspective. Kenny and Marian differ in their accounts of their lives, their motivations for their actions, their despairs, and their hopes. The letters make it possible for Steve to consider his parents’ lives more completely and to view them with more sympathy.
However, his mother’s letter also shows him concrete proof that getting him back was not a priority for her, even though she mentioned her other children by name. It is a handwritten, unequivocal symbol of how thoroughly she abandoned him.
Books
During his time at the Robinsons, books are a symbol of escape, freedom, and inspiration for Steve. He reads about characters like himself and models his behavior after them, even though they are fictional. The books are also symbols of the difficulties illiteracy can cause. Willie’s inability to read is a key source of his insecurity.
In college, books become symbols of knowledge. The writings of eminent African American authors are the gateway to helping Steve proudly accept his heritage.
