In Louise Erdrich's novel, The Round House, the doll serves as a profound and multifaceted symbol, primarily representing a mirror image of the horrific events that transpired within the sacred space of the round house.
The doll encapsulates the trauma and violation experienced by Geraldine, reflecting the specific act of her rape and the very location where it occurred. It becomes a tangible embodiment of the desecration of a place traditionally held as holy.
A Symbol of Trauma and Place
The significance of the doll lies in its direct connection to the novel's central tragedy. Found by Joe, Geraldine's son, within the round house, the doll immediately links itself to the profound violation.
- Reflection of Violence: The doll acts as a symbolic reflection of Geraldine's rape. It visually and emotionally echoes the horrific event, making the abstract horror of the crime more concrete and impactful.
- Defilement of the Sacred: The round house, traditionally a deeply sacred and protected space, becomes the site of this brutal act. The doll, found within its confines, underscores the profound paradox of a hallowed place being defiled. This contrast between the sacred nature of the building and the profane act committed within it is central to the doll's symbolic power.
The Doll as a Repository of Secrets and Consequences
Beyond its representation of the immediate trauma, the doll also holds deeper implications through Joe's discovery. When Joe finds the doll, it contains a significant amount of money.
| Aspect of the Doll | Symbolic Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Location of Discovery | Highlights the defilement of the sacred round house. |
| Mirror Image of Event | Represents the trauma of Geraldine's rape. |
| Contents (Money) | Symbolizes hidden truths, the profound consequences of the crime, or perhaps the 'cost' of the trauma. |
This hidden money adds another layer to the doll's symbolism, suggesting that it not only represents the event itself but also the concealed aspects, the fallout, or the potential for restitution or justice that emerges from the tragedy. It can be seen as a vessel for the secrets and the heavy burdens that accompany the crime.
Ultimately, the doll in The Round House is a potent and layered symbol, serving as a tangible reminder of a devastating event, the desecration of a sacred space, and the complex aftermath that unfolds for the characters.
