The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

by

Ann Shaffer

The Sea Symbol Icon

For the islanders, the sea represents freedom and, in some cases, the end of the war. Amelia writes about resuming her evening walks along the cliffs and notes that if she looks out at the sea, she can pretend that the German-built bunkers behind her aren't there, and even that the war was just a dream. The sea also situates Guernsey as a place free from British rule, as it's technically owned by the British but, because it's far away in the English Channel and is actually closer to France than England, it maintains a great deal of sovereignty and independence.

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The Sea Symbol Timeline in The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

The timeline below shows where the symbol The Sea appears in The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Part One, 10th April, 1946
War, Hunger, and Humanity Theme Icon
...the cliffs, there are no mines on the beaches, and if she looks out to sea, she doesn't have to look at the cement bunkers or the treeless land. She hopes... (full context)
War, Hunger, and Humanity Theme Icon
...the workers had a half-day off. Most of them stood in the sewage in the sea, hoping to catch the swarming fish. In closing, Amelia invites Juliet to Guernsey. (full context)
Part One, 12th April, 1946
War, Hunger, and Humanity Theme Icon
...writes to Sidney and Piers and tells them that she's been spending all her time researching Guernsey. She discovered one travel book on the island. The author is very unserious and... (full context)
Part One, 13th May, 1946
Family, Parenting, and Legitimacy Theme Icon
...her whenever she arrives and suggests that she come by the mail boat, as the sea makes the island even more beautiful. (full context)
Part Two, 24th May, 1946
Women, Marriage, and Work Theme Icon
...forever and go crazy. Juliet says that Guernsey is wonderful and the beauty of the sea makes it easy to pretend that Mark doesn't exist. (full context)
Part Two, 27th May, 1946
War, Hunger, and Humanity Theme Icon
Women, Marriage, and Work Theme Icon
...It's large with lots of windows, which means that Juliet is often distracted watching the sea. Elizabeth's possessions are fascinating, especially her books and her collections of feathers, shells, and flowers.... (full context)
Part Two, 22nd July, 1946
Family, Parenting, and Legitimacy Theme Icon
Women, Marriage, and Work Theme Icon
...Kit was asleep, so Juliet and Dawsey walked out to the cliffs and watched the sea. Juliet desperately wanted to take his hand. Dawsey turned to her but before they could... (full context)