Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion

Since Tattoos on the Heart is a memoir, it is intentionally not rich in the type of literary symbolism that one usually finds in a work of fiction. But Boyle’s dreams have elements of symbolism. The first of these is a dream that Boyle recounts in Chapter 4. The dream concerns a combative homegirl that Boyle has recently been helping named Natalie. In the dream, Boyle introduces Natalie to a rowdy crowd who boo and jeer at her as she walks on stage. But Natalie begins to beautifully sing, and everyone is mesmerized by her magnificent voice. The next day, Boyle calls Natalie and tells her about his dream, and she sincerely takes it to heart. In the dream, Natalie’s voice symbolizes Natalie’s inner goodness and her ability to change for the better.

Just after Boyle’s dream in Chapter 4 comes another important dream in Chapter 5, this time relayed by a young homie named Pedro. Pedro struggled with drug use during his time in the barrio, so he approached Boyle for help. Boyle helped Pedro commit to going to rehab, and upon arriving, the young man did an excellent job in the rehabilitation process.