Symbolism, Imagery, Allegory
Shark Tank
The shark tattoo is appropriate for Roland, a person who is always on the move looking for prey, as though if he stopped, he would die. But Roland is stopped when he's unwound, and his arm is transferred to Connor. What does that mean? Could Roland's arm take over like the crazy arm in Metal Gear Solid?
We doubt that. But it does force Connor to confront the part of him that is very similar to Roland—the anger, the rage, the always looking for a fight. There's a reason those two are always at odds: They both have hot tempers.
But Connor does something different than Roland. Unlike Roland, he is capable of tenderness. With Roland's hand, Connor "moves his hand across [Risa's] cheek, wiping away a tear with his finger" (7.67.27). That's something Roland would never have done. Maybe Connor can use Roland's strength for good.