The Use of Symbolism in the Works of J.D. Salinger: Innocence is Bliss
During the late nineteenth century and early twentieth century, symbolism became a leading fine art and a significant literary movement. The word symbol derives from the Greek verb symballein, ‘to throw together’, and its noun symbolon, ‘mark’, ‘emblem’, ‘token’, or ‘sign’ (Cuddon). A symbol is an object that exemplifies something else and associates an image with a concept. Symbolism is often associated with literature, but it is also expressed in everyday life when actions and gestures are denoted. For instance, a clenched fist symbolizes aggression and raised arms represent surrender. Most symbols are generic, such as a heart, which represents love. The use of symbolism is present in some of the world’s greatest literary works of all time. The green light in The Great Gatsby represents Gatsby’s hopes and dreams of reaching his everlasting goal. In Of Mice and Men, Steinbeck uses the farm to represent an ideal life which George and Lennie long for, the American Dream. Positively, within these remarkable works, there are occasions in which detailed images are used to express feelings or unusual concepts.
J.D. Salinger, another exceptional literary sensation, is consistent in applying the concept of symbolism to his writing. In the 1940s, Salinger wrote some of his most famous works such as, “The Catcher in the Rye” and “Nine Stories.” Salinger uses symbols to provide deeper meaning to what is primarily being described in the writing. In these novels, Salinger uses his characters, Holden Caulfield and others from Nine Stories to deliver strong messages. Holden Caulfield has become one of the greatest literary characters of all time because he connects with t...
... middle of paper ...
...y in time. The only thing that can protect from the materialistic adult life is simply, innocence.
Symbolism has become such an important element in literary history. Authors use it to express ideas they may not have been able to find the right words for. It is important not to condone symbols in literature books because they most likely hold the truest meanings and moral lessons inside the works. Again, imagine a world full of innocence. Begin to realize that innocence is the key factor in keeping the inner youth alive and protected from the phony adult life. Without symbolism, authors would not be able to convey messages as valuable as this one, and readers would not be capable of taking these lessons and learning from them. Innocence is bliss and literary symbols have only made strong impacts on society that will continue to sustain for generations to come.
Salinger uses specific motifs and symbols to illustrate Holden’s naive and unrealistic view of the world. A great example of this is when he believes he can be the catcher in the rye. By doing so he imagines he is able to maintain all the innocence within society. Holden
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.
Symbolism is a major literary device that helps people see a book through symbols that often have a deeper meaning. A symbol is used to explain something in a different way, using images, objects, etc. instead of just saying it in words. As you search for a deeper meaning in a work of art or literature it can help you understand the authors intentions and the deeper significance of a work. In Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury, symbols help reinforce the major themes of the book.
American Literature is widely known for possessing themes of disillusionment. Faulkner, Harper Lee, Fitzgerald, and Hemingway dominate this category of literature. However, the most influential piece of American Literature is arguably J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye. What makes this piece of art stand so far out from any other work of literature is the attributes that make this novel so relatable. The source of this raw, real emotion that completely captivates the reader is Salinger himself. The Catcher in the Rye ‘s main character Holden Caulfield is undeniably Salinger. This work of fiction nearly resembles an autobiography. J.D. Salinger uses his novel to express his disillusionment through motifs, pathos, and symbols.
The first symbol shows Holden’s desire for children to embrace their childhood innocence just as he would like to. The second symbol, Phoebe, displays the maturity which Holden refuses to grasp onto. The last symbol, The Museum of Natural History, represents how Holden would like to freeze time. J.D. Salinger's use of symbolism in The Catcher in the Rye develops Holden's character and provides insight as to why he does not want to grow up. The three models, the poem, Phoebe and the Museum of Natural History individually provide the reader an impression of what operates within of Holden's head, yet even when it is not openly
Symbolism is defined in Webster’s Dictionary as a representation of a concept through symbols or underlying meanings of objects or qualities, sometimes abstract, other times more literal. Often times in literature an author or poet employs the concept and use of symbolism where one object is used to refer to something else in order to create an emphasis or convey a point without slamming it in the face of the reader. It’s a person’s individual perception or system of belief that brings them to the true meaning of a specific symbol as it applies to their lives. Sometimes an entire piece of work is an extended metaphor for an idea the author is trying to convey such as in Animal Farm. However, the importance of this literary device is undisputed, in any work. Writers insert symbols into their writing to allude to a feeling, mood, attitude or ideology, without directly stating the perspective or mood intended. The authors of Ethan Frome and The House of Spirits use symbolism to convey both emotions such as anxiety and foreboding, and other things such as the ideas of what a woman should be, morality, and representations of revolutionary ideology.
Writers often use symbolism in the story to give a more vivid description rather than just saying, pictures are a perfect example. Symbolism is the art of using any object, place, name or anything that represents something rather
In literature, authors use objects to represent a concept. This is commonly referred to as symbolism, and is prevalent in movies and books. Now, Fahrenheit 451, is a science fiction novel which takes place in a dystopian future where books are banned. There are many symbols throughout the story that are used to convey a greater meaning. This is also the case in works of literature such as; “The Veldt”, “Nature”, and “The declaration of independence.”
The Hunger Games was a critically acclaimed movie when it came out; however, some critics would argue that the movie can be sometimes too violent for its intended audience. In this essay I would dissert Brian Bethune’s essay “Dystopia Now” in order to find its weaknesses and compare the movie Battle Royale with his essay.
Symbolism is the way an author uses another object to represent the greater thought in their head. “We are frequently asked to consider things as symbolic; objects, persons and events are called signs rather than being
The novel “The Catcher in the Rye,” revolves around the protagonist Holden Caulfield as the story is told from his perspective. J.D. Salinger constructed Holden Caulfield as a cynical person who cannot accept to grow up. Throughout “The Catcher in the Rye,” J.D. Salinger uses symbolism to reveal and reinforce critical aspects of the protagonist Holden Caulfield. Three important aspects Holden acquired through Salinger’s use of symbolism are: his stubborn, uncompromising mentality; his softer, more caring respectful side; Holden’s cowardly way of acting and thinking.
On July 7th 2011, Verisign issued a statement declaring that all .com, .net, .org and many other domain names would become under United States (US) jurisdiction. Websites containing these domain names, which were registered outside of US, have encountered various implications for multiple reasons. Firstly, although these websites are registered in a country other than the US, they are subjected to US law despite the fact that the registrar might be living in a country with differentiating laws. The Bodog.com case is a clear example of this. Secondly, the US now has authority to actually seize a website and hold the website’s registrar accountable if their website is deemed to be illegal under US laws. Lastly, this is a clear case of the US abusing its power and acting as a sovereign nation over other countries. The citizens of a particular country have the right to follow and abide by their country’s own rules and in no way should be subjugated to the laws if another country. Domain names, such as .com and .org, are widely used across the world and US jurisdiction is causing non-US users to face several repercussions.
Symbolism is a type of literary device authors use to add special effect and meaning to their stories. According to The American Heritage Dictionary, symbolism is “The practice of representing things by means of symbols or of attributing symbolic meanings or significance to objects, events, or relationships (“symbolism”).” Objects, people, actions, and words often are used to symbolize a deeper meaning throughout the text of a story. As one reads a story, they must realize that each sentence they are reading could have a double meaning; this means that further thought is often necessary, on the part of the reader, to better understand the whole effect the author was trying to portray. Tennessee Williams wrote The Glass Menagerie in a somewhat complex and confusing manor; if the reader does not read into the meaning of the symbols that are scattered throughout the text, the story is misunderstood.
At the beginning of last year, I faced a personal experience which made me want to pursue a career in Nursing. The discovery of my grandfather Alzheimer’s, followed by my grandmother’s depression and ultimately anaemia was a shock. By caring for my grandparents I gained lots of experience spending time in hospitals, communicating with doctors and other healthcare professionals but most importantly experiencing the psychological traumas of such events. My personal experience as a carer has helped me empathise the emotional turmoil patients and their families experience.
A symbol is an object, action, or event that represents something or that creates a range of associations beyond itself. In literary works a symbol can express an idea, clarify meaning, or enlarge literal meaning. Select a novel or play and, focusing on one symbol, write an essay analyzing how that symbol functions in the work and what it reveals about the characters or themes of the work as a whole. Do not merely summarize the plot. (2009 Open-Ended Question for AP English Literature and Composition).