Symbolism has always been an essential part of all major literature. Whether it helps the story move rapidly or allows for greater cognizance of characters’ elaborate personalities, symbolism is an invaluable tool for authors to generate deeper interpretations of a novel. It is often a critical component of a novel’s plot structure. Symbolism is a cogent way for authors to inject meaning and emotion into their well-crafted characters. The novel Defending Jacob by William Landay meets all of these standards and enhances them greatly. Throughout the plot, this literary element is greatly emphasized through the symbol of a simple knife. This seemingly ordinary object very easily symbolizes Jacob’s murderous personality and how open he was to eliminating …show more content…
In addition, Jacob’s disorders include symptoms of “aggression, defiance, lack of remorse” (Landay 434). This makes it evident that Jacob contains many sociopathic traits that make it extremely probable that he had influences in the murder, at the very least. These traits have been traced back to a “murder gene” that Jacob possesses, passed down from his ancestors that inherently makes him a tough and difficult kid to handle. This gene apparently invokes strong emotions of hatred and commences the creation of slaughterous thoughts within his mind. Because all of this can be traced genetically, Jacob has held these traits with him his entire life, always under the influence of the “murder gene.” The characteristics and behavior of Jacob are quite similar to his very own pocket knife as they are both inherently dangerous. Take one glance at a knife and even with the most elementary knowledge, it is instantly common ground that this “tool” is not something to be taken jokingly. By featuring a design to help it fulfill its entire purpose (a keen, meticulously crafted curve), something it must contain to be useful, it becomes a dangerous tool. As soon as Andy Barber …show more content…
By even being a suspect for the murder, the rest of the world has shunned him away, isolated him and his family, and treated him as if he himself deserves to be killed. During a conversation on Facebook, another student verbally attacks Jacob by telling him “you shd keep your head down and be quiet” (Landay 88). Before a case has even developed, Jacob is already being attacked for his comments and being told to quiet himself, unable to speak his opinions. His thoughts and ideologies are feared by others as they do not want to even hear any sign that Jacob is alive and may be negatively impacting others around him. Very similar emotions develop when a knife is present in the room. As soon as an individual notices a knife, they feel compelled to back off, creating ample distance between it and themselves. They feel as if the knife possesses an aura, a deadly aura, as if it is specifically designed to be used against them. A knife is a common object that no one would consider “safe” or “appropriate” in most situations. The fact that others act very similarly towards Jacob demonstrates that he is dreaded by his friends and the rest of the world. This supports Jacob’s culpability as it exposes how others view him very negatively. Jacob does not deny it, but he does show minor signs of supporting it, even posting a picture of himself portrayed as a psychopathic figure. Jacob accepts
“He grabbed Jacob and he told me to run fast as I could into the woods or else he would shoot,” (qtd. in Murphy) was how Aaron Larson described the moment he was last by his best friend’s side. On October 22, 1989, Jacob Wetterling was kidnapped a couple blocks from his home in St. Joseph, Minnesota. He, along with his abductor, have yet to be discovered. There have been thousands of leads as to who may be his abductor, but there fails to be enough evidence to convict any potential suspects. Initially, reported vehicles were used to search for Wetterling’s abductor, but after new findings in 2003, the investigation shifted towards local St. Joseph residence. Joy Baker, a New London blogger who has blogged intensely about the Jacob Wetterling
Why do authors use symbolism in their literature? Many authors use symbolism in their literature to create or to add deeper meaning in the context of the whole story. They often use objects, people, actions and words to symbolize a deeper understanding of their story and to develop their themes. They also use symbols to give clue/hints for the story in which they also develop their main characters. In the story, “It Had to be Murder” by Cornell Woolrich, the author uses symbolism to develop his story and to send a message with a deeper understanding of the story to his readers.
In the novel Graceling there are many important characters including the main character Katsa, her uncle King Randa, and her friend Po. Kristin Cashore uses symbolism in many cases to provide more information about these characters without telling the reader directly, so the individual could form their own opinion on the information given. Symbolism, when used in the right book and the right context, could prove to be an extremely useful tool for the author. Throughout the novel Graceling, author Kristin Cashore uses many symbols to give insight on the growth and portrayal of the characters.
Mare Barrow, the red blooded protagonist goes through several trials and tribulations dealing with the segregation and morals. A recurring pattern that blew me away was the repetitive idea of anyone can betray anyone. At first I did not recognize this as a pattern, but as the book progressed, it became more and more evident. The symbolism of Mare’s earrings, one rhinestone for each of her brothers that have gone war, was a beautiful symbol for the love of her family. Comprehending several of the symbols as well as the patterns with memory brought the novel onto a whole new level for me and only increased my appreciation and adoration for the characters. After reading the introduction of How to Read Literature Like a Professor, I recognize the importance of symbols, patterns and memory, and I plan to apply these devices on works I read in the
The Novel and Film of The Grifters had many uses of symbolism, supporting the theme of sexual corruption, and the fall of the three main characters’ craft of the grift. In the novel, symbolism was tougher to pick out. However, the descriptions of the characters created symbolic visualizations of their personalities and human nature. The film had more obvious uses of symbolism through the choice of women’s clothes, the character’s actions, and their language.
Throughout the book, Gruen portrays that Jacob and Marlena have a deep affection towards each another, for which they act with courage. Initially, Jacob loves Marlena immensely but has yet to admit it. However, Marlena’s husband, August, is starting to have doubts about the relationship that his wife and Jacob share. Due to this reason August is overwhelmed with anger and abuses both, Marlena and Jacob. As much as he can, Jacob tries to fight back and protect Marlena. As he struggles to pull himself away from the two men holding him back, he pleads, “For Christ’s sake, let me go! He’s nuts! He’ll kill her!” (Gruen.247). At this point Jacob does not care for his own well being. He knows that August is crazy and may even kill Marlena for just a simple misunderstanding. He courageously puts his life at stake despite knowing the fact that his actions are going to cost him. Through his behaviour it is easy to see Jacob’s love for Marlena. This evidently shows how Jacob has to act with bravery to fight for the love of his life. Next, after being abused by August, M...
Although the behavioral patterns of serial killers have long been attributed to external (that is to say, social) causation, psychologists have recently begun to examine the biochemical circumstances underlying behavioral precursors of serial violence. A British philosopher, G.H. Lewes, noted that, " Murder, like talent, seems occasionally to run in families" (1,2). The observation, while loosely empirical in nature, has proven common enough to catalyze widespread research to identify a genetic factor resulting in a behavioral predisposition to violence. As yet, no single gene that unequivocally stimulates socially maladaptive aggression and violence has ...
Finally, through symbolism the novels truly come alive. The symbolism present gives the reader a clear depiction of the cruelty that is to befall both men. It is truly tragic how close these horrific stories are, a sad testament to dark chapters in time honored establishments, American economy and Christian missionaries. If these are the consequences of such highly thought of establishments, is there anyway to stop oppression from overcoming the world? It tends to make one think.
The Book Thief Short Essay: The Use of Foreshadowing, Irony, and Symbolism in The Book Thief
Jacob shows signs of depression and post stress traumatic disorder. In the beginning of the book, Jacob is an average teenager who hates his summer job. After Grandpa Portman dies, Jacob has nightmares and is having trouble sleeping. He wakes up screaming in the middle of the night multiple times. He stops leaving the house and instead spends his time immersed in video games. His best friend Ricky started avoiding him because he believes Jacob has gone crazy. When Jacob starts going to a psychiatrist, he is told he has acute stress disorder. Dr. Golan doesn’t treat Jacob properly, giving him overdoses of medicine. Jacob claims the medicine is making him “fat and stupid” but he was still “miserable, only getting three to four
In the real world, different symbols are used to help people understand things, and to add different effects onto people’s lives. For example a pendent a women or man wears from the army helps someone understand what they’ve been through and helps portray them as a strong individual. In novels which may have complex story lines like The Handmaids tale it is important that these novels have some symbolism to help the reader decode what some details in the novel represent, helping them understand the plot more in-depth. Through the novel of the Handmaid Tale by Margaret Atwood, symbolism is present and that helps to enhance the story line, as well as contribute an important factor in which is helping the reader understand
All through the novel there are symbols of
Symbolism is one of the most effective and powerful elements in writing. We see various examples of this all throughout "The Things They Carried." Symbolism enables us to tell a story one way, while all along trying to say another. I believe Tim O'Brien has achieved success in doing so in "The Things They Carried."
'Serial murder'; has long been a term used to describe those human beings that repeatedly commit heinous crimes. It is rare that the average person probes the mind of a serial killer without bias. However, what lies behind the eyes of a serial killer deserves more than the cold hard look that society so often gives (Aaronson, Inter...
The analysis argues the use of symbolism as it applies to the aspects of the characters and their relationships. Henrik Ibsen’s extensive use of symbols is applied to capture the reader’s attention. Symbols like the Christmas tree, the locked mailbox, the Tarantella, Dr. Rank’s calling cards, and the letters add a delicate meaning to the characters and help convey ideas and themes throughout the play.