Readers' understanding depends on how they interpret the symbols used in literary works. Symbolism is a literary device that involves conveying specific themes and messages through symbols. Symbols help convey deeper meanings in a literary work beyond ordinary meaning. Critical thinking is required for the reader to understand the things the writer is trying to suggest through the use of specific symbols. Symbolism helps the reader make a connection between the symbols used in literary works and the main themes. The hurricane is a recurring symbol in Sherman Alexie's "Every Little Every Hurricane". The hurricane symbolizes all the bad things that happen on Indian reservations, including violence and alcoholism. The damage caused by these hurricanes is enormous. The hurricane is a significant symbol in Sherman Alexie's “Every Little Hurricane” that highlights the problems threatening the victor's family and the Indians on the reservation as a whole. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay First, the hurricane symbolizes the struggles that destroy Victor's family. The story begins with New Year's Eve celebrations and the weather forecast indicates that there will be a hurricane. “The forecast was not good. The Indians continued to drink, harder and harder, as if anticipating. There is a fifty percent chance of torrential rain, blizzard-like conditions, seismic activity. Then there is a sixty percent chance, then seventy, eighty." This passage implies that something serious will happen to the partygoers (Sherman 1). The partygoers are involved in heavy drinking. Two of the uncles of Victor, Adolph and Arnold, they begin to fight. The fight becomes intense due to the drunkenness that has dominated the party. A fight breaks out and this ends the party. The author's use of hurricane this case, indicates that even though the family and the entire community are trying to unite during the New Year celebrations, the fighting always divides them. The quarrel between two of Victor's uncles alludes to the hurricane because it threatens the unity of the family. The narrator points out that “In the morning all was well, but the Indians, “the eternal survivors, gathered to count their losses.” The implications of the hurricane are deadly it brings a lot of pain. Therefore, the hurricane of clashes destroys the peace and unity of the family. Secondly, the hurricane symbolizes poverty in Victor's family. To illustrate, Victor has a flashback to a Christmas party that occurred when he was five years old. His father tells him he won't have the money to buy him a Christmas present. They can only afford a Christmas tree with a few ornaments. His father sits looking at his empty wallet and cries. Living in poverty is difficult and is a huge hurricane in Victor's life. Victor is shocked by this hurricane of poverty. Poverty prevents the family from enjoying the Christmas season together. Furthermore, the narrator points out that “when children grow up together in poverty, a bond is formed that is stronger than anything else. It is this same bond that causes so much pain” (Sherman 2). This quote implies that poverty brings feelings of resentment and negativity, which is why the hurricane symbolizes them. Poverty makes family members sad, and the hurricane symbolizes sadness. As a result, the hurricane of poverty destroys happiness in Victor's family. Third, the hurricane represents the suffering of Indians residing on reservations. Suffering causes a lot.