Symbolism
The Eye uses many symbols, including those relating Asian culture, to further its story. The following are some of my favorite:
- White candles: One of the ghosts Mun frequently encounters is a young boy who lived in her apartment. The boy constantly jumps out a window, saying that he is looking for his report card. One scene in the movie shows the boy eating white candles placed in front of this boy. This is because it is believed in Asian culture that the dead eat white candles, according to Wallace. Furthermore, in Eastern societies, the color "white" is a symbol of mourning.
- Camera: Mun realizes that she is seeing Ling's reflection in the mirror when a doctor shows her a photograph of herself. This camera represents vision. It is also interesting to note that a friend of Mun's, who died of cancer, leaves her that photograph.
- Altar: After someone has died, it is customary in Asian Buddhist societies to place a white paper announcing the death at the entrance of the home, according Yutang Lin. Furthermore, an altar is created inside the home to worship the deceased. This can be seen in the young boy's home throughout the film.