The Lion Symbol Analysis

Hinton frequently describes Mark as a lion, and the image is a recurring metaphor for Mark’s wild, vicious, and predatory behavior. The way in which Hinton’s descriptions develop over time also illustrates Bryon’s increased understanding of his best friend’s character. Initially, Hinton uses the lion image in a more literal way, as a simile to describe Mark’s golden hair and eyes. But over time, the lion takes on more figurative meanings. At first, Bryon usually describes Mark as grinning like an “innocent” or “friendly” lion, particularly when he is getting away with illegal activity. This evokes a kind of cartoonish guiltlessness and indicates that even though Mark is reckless, Bryon doesn’t believe that Mark’s actions do much harm to other people. However, using a wild and ferocious animal like a lion also implies that there is a more sinister nature hidden beneath Mark’s sheen of innocence.

Bryon becomes more aware of the mean side to Mark’s personality over time. For instance, when it becomes clear to him that Mark doesn’t like Bryon’s girlfriend, Cathy, he recognizes that Mark can turn on people “like a teased lion.” Thus, while Bryon knows that Mark can be gentle and friendly, when provoked, he can quickly become vicious. At the end of the novel, Bryon sees Mark’s true character revealed more fully when he realizes Mark is selling drugs to kids, an action befitting a lion’s predatory nature. Then, after Bryon turns Mark in to the police and visits Mark in jail, he describes Mark as a “dangerous, caged lion.” Accordingly, Bryon feels that Mark would be willing to kill him for his betrayal. Thus, the metaphor of the lion not only suggests Mark’s wild tendencies and even his savage hatred when he feels that Bryon has betrayed him—it also symbolizes Bryon’s increasing awareness of his friend’s vicious nature.