Overview:
We see an awful lot of books. Jack’s a writer, so it can be assumed that the books are his, but we see Wendy reading them and being surrounded by them.
Books are found in both the Domestic Abuse Narrative, as they are very prominent in scenes with both Jack and Wendy, where arguments take place, when she’s worrying, or lying to Danny about things being okay.
Books are also found within the American History Narrative; standing for both the stories we tell ourselves and pay attention to, but also the stories we’ve told countless groups in the form of legislature, language, behavior that their otherness is not welcome.
Often a symbol of distraction, we see Wendy reading while watching television or talking to Danny. We see Wendy surrounded by books when she’s not in the kitchen.
Narrative & Thematic Devices:
Domestic Abuse
Books clearly is related to Jack and Wendy, their dynamic: his writing them, her turning to them when she’s lonely, their presence in their arguments or worries, when Jack is axing down the bathroom door, when Wendy paces back and forth planning to leave, and when Wendy is coaxing Danny into believing everything is fine.
Books then can represent the information (or stories) we tell ourselves and pay attention to
American History
Having Jack’s manuscript be nonsense is also telling: What Jack tells her [what America ells her] is a fruitless endeavor for her. It makes no sense, therefore it makes no sense to stick with it [the culture, her role and how she should behave and what behavior she should expect in return]
Books then can represent the information (or stories) we tell ourselves and pay attention to (the stories of white male oppressors and not the victims make it into history).
Related / Repeated Scenes:
In this image · No.4
The Catcher in the Rye
Wendy reads The Catcher in the Rye.