Thomas C. Foster teaches symbolism and the meaning of symbols and actions in literature in his book. An example can be found in the short story "Araby" by James Joyce, Mangan is separated from her sister by a fence. This is symbolic for the distance between the main character, the protagonist, and Mangan. Fences are often symbols for distance or captivity either from oneself or another character. In "Araby" the fence is in the story to represent the distance and tension between the onlooking protagonist and Mangan's sister. It not only symbolizes physical distance, but also the emotional strain between the loving main character and the oblivious sister. Both characters know that the physical fence can be destroyed, but the emotional connection between them is harder to ignore. Mangan's sister uses the boy as the story continues, so the fence also is a symbol for a warning to the boy to stay away from a person who does not love him. It is a barrier mainly for the boy and his emotions for Mangan's sister.