I think the oranges/the colour orange is a layered symbol with many meanings. At first it is associated with Mrs. Winterson, who declares oranges to be the "only" fruit (and the answer to any need). The title then, is a clear rebuke of Mrs. Winterson's narrow focus: oranges are NOT the only fruit, there are many kinds of fruit. In other words, there is not just one way to see things, one right way to do things, one final authoritative version of things, etc., but many ways, things, versions.
I think it becomes a bit more complicated after that, because besides the "negative" association with Mrs. Winterson, orange seems to have some positive associations as well---Jeanette's demon who tells her to not cast out her demon but keep it and have a more interesting life. There is also the quote at the beginning of the book (which I don't have with me right now!) that might also lead in yet another direction...
I think the oranges/the colour orange is a layered symbol with many meanings. At first it is associated with Mrs. Winterson, who declares oranges to be the "only" fruit (and the answer to any need). The title then, is a clear rebuke of Mrs. Winterson's narrow focus: oranges are NOT the only fruit, there are many kinds of fruit. In other words, there is not just one way to see things, one right way to do things, one final authoritative version of things, etc., but many ways, things, versions.
ReplyDeleteI think it becomes a bit more complicated after that, because besides the "negative" association with Mrs. Winterson, orange seems to have some positive associations as well---Jeanette's demon who tells her to not cast out her demon but keep it and have a more interesting life. There is also the quote at the beginning of the book (which I don't have with me right now!) that might also lead in yet another direction...