Cars Symbol Analysis

Cars symbolize Bryon and Mark’s divergent coming of age journeys—namely, the way in which Bryon is able to mature, while Mark is unable to do so. Cars are a particularly apt lens through which to illustrate this journey, as learning to drive is often one of a teenager’s first steps into adulthood. Driving gives teens more independence, but it also comes with a greater degree of responsibility and caution. Mark appreciates the freedom that cars can provide but does not treat them responsibly. Rather than trying to save money to buy his own car, Mark instead hot-wires and steals cars starting at age 12; even when he is caught and is on probation for stealing cars, he continues to steal them anyway. Thus, his treatment of cars reflects both his selfishness and his inability to mature or take responsibility for his actions.

Bryon’s experience with cars—particularly Charlie’s car—contrasts with Mark’s recklessness. Charlie says that he doesn’t trust Bryon’s words but does trust Bryon’s actions, which is why he loans Bryon his car when Bryon asks to borrow it. With this gesture, Charlie’s car comes to represent Bryon’s accountability: he has to make sure that he takes care of the car, refills the gas, and returns it safely. Thus, Bryon differs from Mark, who never has to take care of the cars he steals because he never feels obligated to return them in good condition (if he returns them at all). The police give Charlie’s car to Bryon in the wake of his death, reinforcing the link between Charlie’s car and Bryon gaining responsibility. Mark, on the other hand, never acquires a car of his own, nor does he use Charlie’s car in the story, indicating that Mark never develops the same maturity and responsibility that Bryon does.