Conner Martin

1/14/10

“Dawn” by Tim Wynne-Jones

“Dawn” by Tim Wynne-Jones, though a rather short story, is incredibly replete with symbolism and deeper meaning. For example, one of the best examples of this can be found in Dawn’s choice of music, or lack thereof. The fact that the girl with the unnaturally colored Mohawk listens to jungle sounds is a stellar example of irony, and yet at the same time makes a statement about the human tendency to judge people based on first appearances.

            When Barnsey first sees Dawn he frantically looks for another seat, or prays someone else will take the seat next to her. The reason Barnsey found Dawn to be so off-putting was because of her abrasive and, frankly, frightening appearance, most notably “the nine earrings, the nose rings and the Mohawk in particular.” However, after being forced to sit next to her, he realizes that, though on the outside she may be revolting, inside she is actually a peaceful, placid person. The jungle sounds she listens to symbolize the fact that within, where nobody can see (in the same way nobody can know what she is listening to though her headphones) she is in fact the exact opposite of what one would expect by judging her by first appearances. Also, the fact that Barnsey can’t hear it in the beginning shows that he is originally blind to the sweeter side of Dawn, and is, to begin with, completely absorbed in his first impression of her.

            “Dawn” by Tim Wynne-Jones is filled with symbolism, and meaning if one knows where to look. For example, Dawn’s choice of music is highly symbolic of her inner nature, and the fact that Barnsey is deaf to the peaceful tones of Dawn’s music means he was originally unwilling to look past her appearance.