symbols

Symbols in Boy Overboard

Sport, particularly soccer, plays a key role in this story. Jamal’s fantasies about playing soccer give him all sorts of positive feelings – hope, optimism, ambition, enjoyment.
What does he have, in fact, to support his love of soccer? No equipment, no playing fields, not many fully able players and a government that doesn’t allow the sport in the first place!

Contrast that with Jamal’s sense of the power of sport – bringing people together, fame and celebrity that equates with success and freedom.
Explore the symbolism of the soccer ball in Boy Overboard.

What power does it have? (eg: helping to forget problems, team building – inclusive, in reality saves as well as endangers them often)
Why are sporting heroes/identities so important?

Why are the children deprived of sport?

What does Jamal get out of his love for soccer?

Follow the life of the soccer ball – where does it go? What problems does it cause? What is significant about the fact that it completes the journey with Jamal? Who does it bring into Jamal’s life?

Answer these questions in the comment section