Eddie is the main character in Gary Soto's novel Buried Onions. At the end of the book, after dropping out of college and failing in his attempt to hold down a productive job, Eddie joins the navy and is leaving his hometown of Fresno in the final chapter. If he were to take five meaningful items along with him in a duffel bag he might choose things that were symbolic of what he has left behind.
First, he might take a vocational text book on air conditioning, reflecting his failed attempt at pursuing higher education. For Eddie, however, the classes he was taking at Fresno City College seemed more an extension of high school and a waste of time.
Second, Eddie could include a can of spray paint, symbolic of his failed attempt at work. He goes into the better neighborhoods of Fresno and paints street numbers on the curbs. When he does land a good job with Mr. Stiles, the crime and poverty of his neighborhood spoils his chance at legitimate employment.
Third, Eddie would take a crucifix, symbolic of his encounter with Angel, who wore a stolen crucifix around his neck. Angel, whose name is meant ironically, is the symbol of all that is negative in the neighborhood where Eddie grew up.
Fourth, Eddie would have a picture of his nina's (godmother) dog Queenie, symbolic of the death which pervades the novel. Eddie goes along with her to the SPCA when the dog is euthanized.
Finally, Eddie would have to pack an onion, symbolic of the sorrows which cling to the novel's characters. He believes there is a large onion buried under Fresno which causes the grief and tears in his lower class neighborhood. His friend Juan's sister even has a tattoo of a tear on her cheek.
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