In Edwidge Danticat's short story "The Book of the Dead," the metaphor of Annie's mother comparing herself and Annie's father to "two seeds planted in a rock" conveys the idea of their difficult and unyielding circumstances. Just like seeds that struggle to grow in a rocky environment, Annie's parents have faced numerous challenges and obstacles in their lives that make it hard for them to thrive together as a family. This imagery reflects the resilience and struggle for sustenance against a harsh and unyielding backdrop, perhaps relating to their experiences in Haiti and the barriers they encounter.
Annie and her mother save Annie's father by participating in a cultural and spiritual ritual associated with the "Book of the Dead," which honors ancestors and deceased loved ones. Through this ritual, they seek to connect with and remember their father/husband, allowing his memory to live on. This act of remembrance is a way of preserving his presence in their lives, providing a sense of comfort and continuity amidst the hardships they face. It emphasizes the importance of familial bonds and cultural traditions in coping with loss and the struggles of their environment.
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