The Art of Racing in the Rain

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2008

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Symbols & Motifs

Zebras

but particular attention is paid to zebras. The repeated image of the zebra transforms throughout the book. It first appears when Enzo is trapped alone and without nourishment for two days. In this sense, the zebra is seen as an external, demonic force that sows chaos in its wake. An argument could be made that the black and white stripes of a zebra are representative of prison bars, associating the zebra with confinement and trauma.

Seemingly anyone or anything can be infected by the zebra demon, showing how the zebra is not just something hallucinated by Enzo. The zebra is actually a metaphor for the personal demons that everyone struggles with and that cause chaos and wickedness. By the time Enzo encounters the second stuffed zebra in Chapter 39, it is immobile and has lost much of its power. He has grown to realize that the zebra is an internal force of self-destruction, and that he has succeeded in overcoming the zebra within. When he sees Denny about to sign a settlement with a zebra pen, Enzo realizes that Denny still needs to conquer his own zebra in the form of winning the lawsuit and having the criminal charges against him dropped.

Crows

Crows aren’t as prevalent as zebras but are still important symbols in the book. Crows appear right around the time Eve’s condition starts to grow worse, which is fitting as the presence of crows often signifies a bad omen. They are described as being Enzo’s nemesis, but he also thinks they are clever and he often has nightmares of them. In addition, crows constantly haunt the background of Enzo’s thoughts, symbolizing his fear of the unknown and everything he is unable to control.

Money

Throughout the book, money is used to symbolize control. This is most evident with Trish and Maxwell, who use their wealth to control Eve, and also Denny’s access to his daughter through their lawsuit. According to the Twins, Denny is an unsuitable provider for his family, despite the fact that he is constantly working. When there is conflict in her relationship with Denny, Eve immediately retreats back to her parents’ house. Even though they are extremely wealthy, Trish and Maxwell still appear deeply unhappy, proving that having money is not actually the answer to all their problems.

In contrast to Eve and the Twins, Denny is financially independent. Although he struggles at times, he overall appears content with his life. He does what he needs to do in order to make ends meet without complaining too much. As opposed to Trish and Maxwell, Denny’s parents do not make an appearance until later in the book, when it is revealed that Denny has a strained relationship with them. After meeting Zoe, Denny’s father gives him money to pay the legal fees and also as a way to make amends for all their past problems.