The Jacket

The jacket is the titular object of the story, and it represents the book’s major theme of The Danger of Making Assumptions. From the moment Phil first sees Daniel wearing the jacket, Phil assumes the worst, and his assumptions cause Phil to question himself. The jacket itself could have been any object—the item itself doesn’t matter. More important is the relationship Phil and Daniel have to the jacket, as well as how the jacket brings them together and bridges a gap caused hidden racial bias. To Phil, the jacket is special. He knows his family isn’t rich and doesn’t have luxuries like those at his grandmother’s home. Phil’s mom brought the jacket back from Italy for him, and Phil prizes it. When he sees someone he doesn’t know wearing it, he lashes out because he hates the idea that something special to him was taken. Phil’s unique relationship with the jacket informs his reaction and contributes to him accusing Daniel of being a thief.

Phil’s relationship to the jacket also keeps him from seeing how Daniel views the jacket. Phil is so caught up in the significance that the jacket holds for him that he doesn’t see how Daniel receiving the jacket as a gift from his grandmother makes it special to him, as well.