We Are Not Free

Twitchy’s Butterfly Knife has dual symbolism. At the beginning of the novel, Minnow introduces Twitchy by describing how he is constantly moving (hence his nickname) and how he likes to fidget with his butterfly knife. The knife quickly becomes a symbol of the new rules and regulations impacting the community; Minnow mentions that Twitchy has to turn in the knife because it is now considered contraband. Later, various characters mention the knife and how Twitchy moves his hands like he is still fidgeting with it even though he no longer has it.

When Twitchy is in Europe as part of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, he meets with Frankie who gives him another butterfly knife that is very much like the first. Twitchy carries it with him and even uses it in self-defense during battle. After Twitchy’s death, Frankie retrieves the knife, but cannot keep it because it makes him too sad. Mas takes the knife and, like Twitchy, often fidgets with it. The knife now symbolizes grief.

As part of the theme of family and friendship, Mas’s Silvertone radio symbolizes the sustaining power of relationships. Despite the limit on belongings each person can take to the camps, Mas takes his Silvertone radio.