The Heart Is A Lonely Hunter Symbolism Essay

Symbolism is a key element in the novel of The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter. It resonates with the main theme of isolation in the novel. Each of the five characters in the book are in a constant struggle to break free from isolation. The deafness of Singer makes his communication central to his isolation state, the ambition and intelligence of Kelly make her an outsider in her family, the death of Brannon’s wife leaves him lonely, and the viewpoints and education of Dr. Copeland leave him isolated. Symbolism is expressed through music, the weather, personal possessions, and people with their traits. Regardless of the way symbolism is depicted in the book, it is used to denote that the story of the characters and their environment is a mirror of what the larger society has to deal with. It relates the character’s situation, their beliefs, and their actions to the hopes they have.

Symbolism begins with the setting of the story and runs throughout the novel. For example, the story is set in the Deep South. The weather is hot and sometimes humid.

For example, Mick’s violin symbolizes her ambition for music on the face value. The construction of the violin embodies her dream and all she hopes to acquire to make it possible. She wants a radio, music lessons, and a piano above all else. However, the poverty in her family cannot allow her the pleasure of owning such. She settles to making a clumsy violin from strings that come from the different instrument and part of an old ukulele. The fact that she is among the most brilliant people in her town does not seem to contribute to her getting her desires (novelexplorer 1). It is symbolic of the struggle of humanity in using what is inherently valuable to gain the perceived worthy with no success. As such, her violin, which should demonstrate her brilliance, is a symbol of her frustration, loneliness, and