The symbolism of "the path" from "Dead Men's Path"

1. "Dead Men's Path"

2. What Does the Title Say
The "Dead Men's Path" was used in the small town to connect the village
shrine to the burial place. Dead relatives are believed to travel on this path to
their burial place and to visit family.

3. What Does the Title Mean
I think the deeper meaning is what it meant to the people of the town. They
believed that their deceased loved ones would travel on this path and that the
path was their only way of communicating with them. The destruction of such
a symbol must have been devastating to those who lost someone.

4. Why Does the Title Matter
This path matters because it is ingrained in the history and culture of the town.
Not only is it an important historical piece for the town, but it is also very
important to the people in the town. They talk of the path as if it represents
the town and everyone in it. To the residents, the path is a symbol that connects
those who passed away and those who are still living.

5. Summary
The path is very important to the town and those who reside in it. This is true
both in a historical context and a symbolic one. The path has been around for a
very long time, this demonstrates its historic value to the town. This can be
seen in this quote, "This path was here before you were born and before your
father was born." The symbolic value, however, is the more important one to
appreciate. It represents a way for people to see their loved ones again and
assures them of safety after death. "The whole life of this village depends on it.
Our dead relatives depart by it and our ancestors visit us by it. But most
important, it is the path of children coming in to be born…” This statement is
important because it illustrates the importance of the path. Notice that he says,
"The whole life of this village depends on it."