What does yellow mean in the short story Sin Eater by Margaret Atwood?

Answer 1

In "Sin Eater" by Margaret Atwood, yellow is associated with Joseph and is symbolic of rebirth and new life, which Joseph brings to his clients and the narrator attempts to bring to him. The story opens up with a description of him in a yellow sweater, which is mentioned later in the story at the funeral. At the end of the story, the narrator dreams of Joseph and in the dream he was wearing a yellow muffler.

Answer 2

In the short story "Sin Eater" by Margaret Atwood, yellow symbolizes power, control, and authority. The yellow clothing worn by the Sin Eater signifies his role as a figure who absolves others of their sins through ritualistic means. Yellow is associated with the Sin Eater's ability to mediate between the living and the dead, embodying the themes of forgiveness and redemption.