Rebirth
1. Why is the car crash so traumatic to David, and what does it symbolize? David’s fear of becoming his father, or rather, like his father, is constantly reiterated throughout Giovanni’s Room . After causing damage to another person because of his drunk driving, David realizes he is committing an action that is similar to what his father does, making the accident a moment that is traumatic to him. His father, an alcoholic, has verbally and [physically] abused David for much of his life, despite David not completely caring or realizing it. In landing himself and the other drivers in the hospital, David feels he is becoming like his father—hurting those around him because of his drinking and lack of prudence. The car accident is also traumatic as it is one of the first times David “meets” and calls for his mom. A figure who has never had a true presence in his life, only a photo in their house, and never talked about by David’s dad, David’s mother is an idealistic image o...