Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life

The box represents Life as a Journey of Discovery and propels Jeremy’s character arc and growth over the course of the novel. Everything Jeremy does throughout the book works toward opening the box, even if he doesn’t realize that many of his actions serve this purpose. Jeremy’s dedication to finding the missing keys and unlocking what his dad left him shows the strength of the bond Jeremy feels for his dad. The box is the last link Jeremy has to his father, and opening it offers a way to know more about the man, as well as a chance to get him back for a moment. For the box, Jeremy is willing to step out of his rigid comfort zone. In doing so, his individual journey of growth begins, and the box comes to represent the catalysts that inspire change in life. Jeremy is initially motivated to face his fears because he feels he is doing so for his dad. As the story progresses, Jeremy learns that he is truly facing those fears for himself.

The rocks contained within the box symbolize the moments that make up a life, as well as the moments Jeremy experiences on his hunt for the keys.