Archetypal
What does the man represent?
Man is the protector.
Who gains the most financial anxiety?
The main man as he gives all his money away.
What does the elephant represent in the story?
A heavy burden of debt
What does the narrator's financial situation reveal about the economic situation in the society?
One individual is expected to support multiple family members financially.
What does the daughter represent?
The man’s daughter is the most emotionally-expressive character in Elephant - which - “hurr-durr, men stoic, women emotional”
How does he put everyone over himself?
He gives everything he has to his family until he has nothing left and still keeps giving money.
where was the place of freedom he dreamed of?
He dreamed of going to Australia
Why might the narrator feel unable to say no, what social pressure is influencing him?
He feels unable to say no due to social and family pressure. Refusing would go against expectations and possibly ruin the relationships.
Is the narrator more of a 'hero' or a victim? Defend your choice with evidence.
The narrator can be seen as both a hero and a victim. He is heroic for sacrificing for others, but he is also a victim because he is trapped in this cycle.
What are the consequences of the mans actions on the family?
He is enabling them, as they get whatever they ask for.
What is the man feeling at the end of this story?
Euphoria or a surrender to his problems
How does money functions as a power (or control) in the relationships in the story?
Money functions as both support and control in the story. While it helps others, it also limits the narrator's freedom.