"On Friday, a week after the second rape, [Lisbeth] walked from her apartment to a tattoo parlour in the Hornstull district... She chose a simple little tattoo depicted a narrow band and asked to have it put on her ankle... '...You already have loads of tattoos. Are you sure you want another one?'
'It's a reminder.'" (pg. 177-178)
Tattoos and their Meanings
Tattoos can be symbolic in what they represent to the tattooed. In general, tattoos indicate both nonconformity and the individual's assertion of power over their body. For Lisbeth, her tattoo's represent her control over her own body, as well as her fierce quality of self-possession. The tattoo Lisbeth gets over her ankle after her second rape serves as she says, a "reminder" of the horrific event, yet it also serves as assertion of her control over her own body.
Soon, you'll see Lisbeth use this idea of assertion and power over others in practice against someone other than herself.
Tattoos can be symbolic in what they represent to the tattooed. In general, tattoos indicate both nonconformity and the individual's assertion of power over their body. For Lisbeth, her tattoo's represent her control over her own body, as well as her fierce quality of self-possession. The tattoo Lisbeth gets over her ankle after her second rape serves as she says, a "reminder" of the horrific event, yet it also serves as assertion of her control over her own body.
Soon, you'll see Lisbeth use this idea of assertion and power over others in practice against someone other than herself.