Jane Gardam
- About the Author: Jane Gardam
- Symbols in Showing The Flag
- Themes in Showing The Flag
- Analysis of Showing The Flag
About the Author: Jane Gardam
Jane Gardam was born Jean Mary Pearson in Coatham, North Yorkshire on 11 July 1928. She attended Saltburn High School for Girls and earned a scholarship to the University of London, where she studied English at Bedford College. Initially working as a Red Cross Travelling Librarian to Hospital Libraries in 1951, she later held editorial roles at Weldon Ladies Journal and Time and Tide. Gardam’s extensive literary work encompasses award-winning adult novels, such as Black Faces, White Faces, God on the Rocks, and The Queen of the Tambourine, to name a few. Additionally, she has written non-fiction and works for children and young adults. A recipient of several literary awards, Jane Gardam’s distinguished career has solidified her as a notable figure in English literature. She is a member of PEN and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature and currently resides in East Kent and Yorkshire.
Symbols in Showing The Flag
In “Showing The Flag” by Jane Gardam, several symbols enrich the narrative and offer deeper layers of meaning to the story. Some notable symbols include:
- The Union Jack: Throughout the story, the Union Jack stands as a powerful symbol, embodying Philip’s English heritage, his profound connection to his mother, and his unwavering sense of identity. It serves as a poignant representation of recognition and a profound feeling of belonging in unfamiliar surroundings.
- The Suitcases: Philip’s colossal suitcases become powerful symbols, reflecting the burdens he carries, both physically and emotionally, as he embarks on his journey. They serve as manifestations of his displacement and the considerable weight of his responsibilities.
- The Handkerchief: The tightly squeezed handkerchief in Gwen’s hand symbolizes her emotional distress and longing as she watches Philip depart. It poignantly represents her deep love for her son and the internal struggle she faces in letting him go.
- The Sandwiches: The sandwiches prepared by Philip’s mother serve as a tangible symbol of her care and concern for him.
- The Spare Union Jack: Tucked delicately into the envelope, the spare Union Jack symbolizes Gwen’s enduring love and concern for Philip. It serves as a tangible reminder of her deep affection as he embarks on his journey.
Themes in Showing The Flag
- Maternal Love and Sacrifice: The story explores the deep bond between a mother and her son, highlighting the sacrifices mothers make for their children and the enduring love that transcends distance and time.
- Loss and Separation: The theme of loss and separation is prominent, as Philip grapples with the departure from his mother and the challenges of navigating unfamiliar territory alone. This theme underscores the emotional complexity of parting ways and the longing for connection.
- Identity and Belonging: The symbolism of the Union Jack serves as a motif for themes of identity and belonging, as Philip grapples with his English heritage and his place in the world. The spare Union Jack symbolizes his connection to his mother and his sense of national identity.
- Resilience and Growth: Philip demonstrates resilience and personal growth as he confronts challenges and uncertainties on his journey. His ability to adapt and overcome obstacles reflects themes of resilience and the capacity for personal development.
- Trust and Understanding: The story delves into themes of trust and understanding as Philip learns to trust his mother’s intentions and recognizes the depth of her love for him. This theme underscores the importance of communication and empathy in fostering meaningful relationships.
Analysis of Showing The Flag
In Gardam’s poignant narrative, readers are drawn into the intricate layers of Philip’s emotional journey, where feelings of abandonment and resilience take center stage. Within this compelling framework, Gardam adeptly exposes the complexities of love, insecurity, and trust, offering a nuanced exploration of human relationships and the enduring nature of maternal love.
As the story unfolds, the reader is invited to witness Philip’s unwavering determination as well as his internal struggle with feelings of insecurity and abandonment. Through poignant details such as Philip’s reluctance to open his mother’s perfectly prepared sandwiches and his mistaken assumptions about her intentions, Gardam brilliantly captures the intricacies of a child’s emotional world.
Amidst this emotional turmoil, Gardam introduces a subtle yet powerful testament to maternal love. The inclusion of a spare Union Jack in Philip’s provisions acts as a poignant symbol of his mother’s unspoken understanding and unwavering love, ultimately dispelling Philip’s feelings of abandonment and reinforcing the profound depth of their bond.
Furthermore, Gardam’s narrative prompts reflection on the transformative power of trust. Through Philip’s evolving perception of his mother and the revelation of her selfless gesture, readers are reminded of the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring strength found in love and trust.
While Miss Pym is not a central character, her presence and interactions with Gwen and Philip provide important insights into their relationship dynamics and the broader themes of the story. Miss Pym’s plain-spoken demeanor and pragmatic approach to situations serve as a voice of reason amidst the emotional turmoil.
Gardam’s “Showing the Flag” resonates as a timeless exploration of the human experience, offering profound insights into the complexities of love, resilience, and the unwavering bonds that shape us. As readers journey alongside Philip, they are not only treated to a rich tapestry of emotions but also invited to embrace the enduring message of love’s redemptive power and the profound significance of trust in the face of insecurity.
The Literary Companion 