Michael's Tattoos

On page 10 of "Sing, Unburied, Sing", we get a description of Michael's tattoos. He has a grim reaper, a dragon, a scythe, and Jojo's name and baby feet. In class, we talked about how he is a constant reminder to Mam and Pop about Given's death, as well as a reminder and connection to Given for Leonie. I think this is heavily represented in his tattoos. The grim reaper represents death. The Scythe represents killing and taking life; I think its placement along his arm is important. It is on his arm like he has the power to take life; this connects to his own guilt about Given's death and his blood connection to the ones who did kill Given. The dragon is a monster; again, with his guilt, he may feel he is a monster and that his family members are for their actions and views. Part of his reason for being with Leonie is defiance. Jojo's name and baby feet tie everything together; its a reminder that he, who is related to those who killed Given, is Jojo's father. Mam and Pop can't forget the connection, and they feel resentment towards him. Leonie can't forget, but she wants some sort of connection to Given. He himself can't forget what his family member did and he can't foget his own guilt in connection to Given's death.