I think you’re actually right, and I’m theorizing the orange is a reference to the painting The Son of Man with the apple in front of his face? I’m likely reading too far into it…
Definitelynotacat
It’s been a long while since I read this book back in the 90s, so I’m not married to my own interpretation. But it could be a lesson in privilege and charity. If you have all the things your community envies, it is healthy to share those things through charity. It’s not just about individuality in appearance, but could be an allegory for wealth and equalization. Like I said, could be way off base since I only remember the gist of it.
“Let’s see what’s going on.” My big brother and I had a group of stuffed animals, a whole host of characters, and we treated them as if they were all living their own lives outside of our awareness. So I would turn to my brother and say “do you want to see what’s going on?” And we would play out complex soap opera scenarios with the toys, who all had jobs and families, relationships, and drama. We’d just drop in from time to time to catch up on the story. Good times.
Was told on Monday that I got a promotion. Raise goes into effect next week :) I’ve been busting my ass, so it’s welcome news.