The Orphan's Tale

The flying trapeze is symbol of the trust, risk, and interdependence required to survive amid the chaos of war. For Noa and Astrid, the trapeze is the physical space where their evolving bond is played out. Initially, Astrid’s declaration “[b]ecause I would never trust you to catch me” establishes the deep gulf between them (71). This statement is also a metaphor for their relationship and underscores the high stakes of their world, where a lapse in judgment is fatal. As Astrid trains Noa, she assumes the role of the “catcher,” making herself responsible for Noa’s life, while Noa must become the “flier” (71), the one who makes the ultimate leap of faith. This dynamic forces them into a relationship of absolute mutual dependence, mirroring the sacrifices they must make for each other to survive. The symbolism culminates during the circus fire when a trapped Astrid must rely on Noa’s guidance. It is Noa who, having fully learned the lesson of the trapeze, must tell her mentor, “Astrid, you have to let go” (324). This role reversal completes their arc, cementing that true courage and survival are not solitary acts but are found in the terrifying, liberating act of placing one’s life in another’s hands.