Exodus

One of the recurrent symbols in the novel is that of trees, particularly in the context of the Jewish community in Palestine. As the settlers from the First and Second Aliyahs are trying to eke out a sustainable life in the region, one of their characteristic actions is to plant trees wherever they go. This serves their purpose in land reclamation, as trees prevent further erosion and desertification of dry areas. In wet areas like swampland, the novel notes the Jewish habit of importing eucalyptus trees from Australia, which can soak up large quantities of water. As such, trees frequently symbolize Jewish successes in transforming the physical landscape of Palestine.

The novel’s use of the symbol is not only focused on this transformative aspect, however, but on the steady and resilient nature of trees, which slowly and inexorably seek to grow even in very difficult conditions: “Look how that tree fights to live […] Look how it tries to dig its roots into rock […] That tree is the story of the Jews who have come back to Palestine” (357). As such, this symbol frequently supports the theme of Resilience and Survival in the Face of Adversity.