Echo

Pam Muñoz Ryan

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2015

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Symbols & Motifs

The Harmonica

The enchanted harmonica with the painted “M” has a special significance in Echo. We eventually learn that “M” stands for messenger, and the harmonica seems to a carry of message of consolation and self-empowerment wherever it goes.

The harmonica’s status as an instrument that is sometimes perceived as vulgar or silly is directly addressed. In Nazi Germany, the harmonica is looked down on. However, in 1940s America, Hoxie’s Harmonica Wizards elevate the instrument: the very things that make it abhorrent in Germany endear it to an American audience. It makes music youthful, unserious, and fun. It is easily portable, including to the front lines of war, and thus can serve as an accessible, democratic instrument.

“Brahms’ Lullaby”

Each section of the book has a literal refrain—a song played again and again by its main character. This is Friedrich’s refrain. Friedrich hears his father play this song when he is sad, and it’s a significant way for Friedrich himself to mourn the loss of his mother and the absence of his sister. Although it is a sad song, it brings him comfort and strength as he plays it in preparation for leaving Germany forever.

“America the Beautiful”

“America the Beautiful” is Mike’s refrain. While it celebrates America, the song also has a sad quality. Mike plays it in such a way that it reflects both the sadness of losing his parents and grandmother, as well as his hope for a brighter future. When he learns to play the blues from Mr. Potter, this song serves as a perfect vehicle for him to tell his life story through music.

Auld Lange Syne”

Ivy’s refrain, like Friedrich’s and Mike’s, has a sense of loss and sorrow as well as a sense of joy and optimism. It is significant that this song in particular talks about reuniting with old friends and remembering the good times: with her brother away at war, Ivy is often thinking about the times when her family was together.

Magical Experiences

When Friedrich finds the harmonica, it seems toplay itself, in order to attract him to it. When Mike finds it, he hears all the other instruments in the store let out a note. Ivy, too, feels transformed by the harmonica, and can almost immediately play it. Framed as it is by a fairy tale, this book asks its audience to consider how much of the harmonica’s magic is the stuff of fairytales, and how much is simply the magic inherent in all instruments, and in music.