Mr. M’s Dictionary Symbol Analysis

Mr. M’s dictionary represents the power of words, in the context of both education and political dissent. Although the dictionary briefly appears at the beginning of the play, it becomes more important during the play’s climax, when Mr. M passionately presents his vision of social change to Thami. Holding a stone in one hand and the dictionary in the other, Mr. M declares that the stone is just one concept, while the dictionary contains the entire English language. In other words, by choosing to throw the stone—which symbolizes joining the violent revolt—Thami would limit himself to an ineffective tool. But by choosing the dictionary which symbolizes furthering his education and using persuasion to pursue political change—Thami can expand his range of opportunities and make a far greater impact. Mr. M then offers Thami this beloved dictionary, which represents the way he hopes to pass down knowledge and wisdom to his star student.