Lotus

July 4 is an important symbol in the book. Generally, July 4 marks America’s Independence Day. While Lotus occurs in the United States, Hartmann doesn’t present July 4 as an overtly American Holiday. The characters form their own world, and they turn July 4 into a personally historic day. Instead of representing America’s imputed freedom, the day symbolizes Oliver’s disappearance. 

As the years pass, the characters mark the event in their own way. Gabe throws July 4 parties, while Sydney returns to the hill and thinks about Oliver. Sydney says Gabe throws his parties to “celebrate” Oliver and “turn a tragic day into something positive” (171). The day is more solemn than celebratory; nevertheless, the characters don’t allow the day to remain a “tragedy.” By marking it as a historical event, they maintain Oliver’s spirit and don’t let his memory vanish. While on the hill during July 4, Sydney says, “I’d think of Oliver. I’d imagine him watching the very same display, somewhere safe and warm” (193). As with other holidays and days marking historical events, Sydney’s July 4 allows her to commune with the past.

As Oliver returns, Sydney and Oliver have the chance to turn the personally historic day into a truly celebratory one, which Oliver does by proposing to Sydney on the hill on July 4.