The Wall

The wall symbolizes the emotional barrier between Ryan and his mom, Valerie. Ryan says that she had built a wall around herself in order to survive. When he had threatened her life, she put up an emotional wall. Ryan has hope to wear down the that wall through his singing.

Music

Music represents connection. It allows people, even if they don't speak the same language, to connect with each other and to know what the other means.

Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream Speech"

To Ryan and the rest of Mrs. Hughes' class, this speech represents that one can overcome obstacles and be judged by "the content of their character" (50). This speech inspires Ryan, and he revisits it.

The Metropolitan Opera House

The Metropolitan Opera House represents prestige. Ryan often feels that he does not belong here. Additionally, it represents fakeness. To the outside...