In the story “The Bride Comes to Yellow Sky”, Stephen Crane utilizes the comic tone throughout the story. By following the footsteps of tradition of Western literature, Crane perfectly employs realism to portray the differences between East and West. This style further highlights the influence of the East on the West. In this short story, Stephen Crane applies symbolism to analyse the role of the inhabitants of East and West in transformation, and intrusion of Eastern culture in the West. Symbolism is an essential element of the story that connects the theme and story together. Symbolism is one of the elements used in stories which engage readers to think deep. Crane uses the realistic imagination; however, interpretation …show more content…
He realizes that he did a mistake of marrying in secret: “Presently it was apparent that, as the distance from Yellow Sky grew shorter, the husband became commensurately restless.” He seems to be very much self-conscious on this decision. He “was beginning to find the shadow of a deed weigh upon him like a leaden slab.” “He, the town marshal of Yellow Sky, a man known, liked, and feared in his corner…” (2), because he doesn’t consult with his friends, relatives and elders of the town. He appeared to be a powerless, soft, and not independent. In western tradition consultation with friends, relative and town’s elders was important before getting married. However, Potter ignored this, and married a woman. The bride is going to change the traditions of West, or Potter’s act would be considered insolence against social norms. Both implications can be inferred from the couple’s …show more content…
He acts as a rascal who terrifies the people in the town. Crane describes his attire that he wears fancy shirts and colored boots. His dress also signifies the influence of East, the shirt he wears is made “by some Jewish women on the east side of New York” and the boots are from “the hillsides of New England” (5). He is not much aware of his dressing which portrays him a joker like personality. Despite of this he appears to be the most powerful person of the town. His terror is depicted as "this here Scratchy Wilson is a wonder with a gun -- a perfect wonder -- and when he goes on the war trail, we hunt our holes – naturally” (5). Furthermore, he is described as a last one of the old gangs: He's about the last one of the old gang that used to hang out along the river here” (5). It gives clue that Scratchy is the indication of dying culture of west because he seems to be the outdated. The character Scratchy and Potter’s bride can be interpreted in terms of death and birth of cultures respectively. Finally, when Scratchy and Potter meets, it becomes an interesting and humorous situation. This setting of the story is full of suspense. Like every other story one can expect here that there would be armed fight between them. Potter is with his wife, and unexpectedly he has no gun. Here Potter also ignores the norms of the west in which people do have gun.
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.
On the surface, the protagonists of Silko's "Yellow Woman" and Chopin's "Story of an Hour" seem to have little in common. Yet upon closer inspection, both stories relate tales of women who are repressed by the social tenets that define their roles as wives.
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. Fire and flames have been used as symbols by many authors.
By using symbolism the author is able to compare fate to important pieces of the plot and emphasize the role it plays in the
It was quite evident throughout the story that Harry did in fact respect his wife Helen; however, his many flashbacks of other women undoubtedly demonstrated that he was not in love with his wife. After all, loving someone and being ‘in love’ with them are two entirely different sets of emotions. Harry was a skilled writer, and unluckily was dying due to an infected leg. During his last hours on earth, I could undeniably sense the disdain that he had towards his wife and her wealth. What was ironic was that he lived a comfortable life and probably never complained then, but the minute he realized that he was dying, he instantaneously held her accountable for the fact that he never wrote any more works. I could not understand why on earth he would blame her for this, other than the fact that he probably did not write much because he never found the urgency to. They were already wealthy, thanks to Helen. His wife, on the other hand, did love him even if the love was not shared. She remained optimistic throughout the entire ordeal, and she treated him exceedingly well during his final hours on earth. Harry had an abundant amount of past relationships, and possibly some mistresses as well. This excerpt represented to me that he was a very passionate person, and that with his past loves he quarreled with them because he cared, and did
When Piggy is clearly able to see with the help of the glasses the boys are still fairly civilized. For example, at one of their first meetings, the boys decide that they "can't have everybody talking at once" and that they "have to have there hands up' like at school" (Golding, 33). However, after some time passes, the boys become more concerned with slaughtering a pig than with being rescued and returning to civilization. Returning, from a successful hunt in the jungle chanting "Kill the pig. Cut her throat. Spill her blood," Ralph and Piggy attempt to explain to the boys that having meat for their meals is not as important as keeping the signal fire burning (Golding, 69). With anger, Jack knocks Piggy glasses off from his face, smashing one of the lenses against rocks and obviously impairing his vision. William Golding uses Piggy's glasses as a symbol of civilization and when they break it is like that the
In almost every story, one can find symbolism throughout the text to help the reader better understand what the writer wants the reader to takeout from his/her story. Symbolism is something that must be analyzed and explored to experience a deeper meaning to the story. Sometimes, symbolism throughout a story may not be noticeable when first read, but going back to analyze the text can add a deeper meaning to words and can also help to enhance the meaning behind the story line. In some instances, symbolism can leave a reader to ponder what the writer is trying to express with the symbolism used in the story; for symbolism can be interpreted differently and can have many layers of meaning to it. Some good examples of short stories that use symbolism
Symbolism is an important aspect in stories, whether big or small. Symbolism makes the reader think. It is used to represent something but does not reveal itself right away. Symbolism adds creativity to an already creative piece. Throughout a novel a reader may spend his/her time trying to conclude what each object in a story represents. Though not all stories have symbolism, those that do possess more excitement than those that do not. In the novella Aura by Carlos Fuentes, there is an extensive use of symbolism. James Hall wrote the article “Why You Should Use Symbolism in Your Writing” on symbolism that helps to describe why Fuentes’ use of symbolism is important in Aura. Fuentes uses symbolism to hide the climax of the story and also to
To emphasize the difficulty and inevitability of change, Crane displays the characters' attachments to the Old West. Scratchy, the sole survivor of an old gang, plays out his beloved past by rampaging Yellow Sky with his long revolvers and drunken curses. His "creeping movement of [a] midnight cat," chants of "Apache scalp-music," and "terrible invitations" all portray Scratchy's devotion to the Old West. Scratchy's loyalty to his past clearly emphasizes his resistance to change and foreshadows that change will defeat him no matter how long or how hard he plays the game. Potter also plays along by acting as the town marshal who must save Yellow Sky and heroically put an end to the town "terror." Nevertheless, though Potter is attached to the Old West, he embraces the new West with his marriage. Unlike Scratchy, Potter accepts that Yellow Sky is changing and decides to change with it. Crane uses this acceptance to show that change is sometimes easier for some than for others. Potter continues to struggle and worries what his hometown will d...
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
According to Google, symbolism in literature is defined as the use of symbols to signify ideas and qualities by giving them symbolic meanings that are different from their literal sense. Symbolism can be seen throughout media and in many pieces of literature including To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee. In the book, the symbol of the mockingbird represents the character Boo Radley, and how his story teaches people to not always believe what others have to say about someone without being able to prove it true for themselves.
...is wife" (Solomon 252). Potter has ignored his role as Marshal and is unarmed. Scratchy's pretend world is shattered: "There ain't a man in Texas ever seen you without no gun. Don't take me for no kid" (Crane 409). Stunned by the news of the marriage, Scratchy is quick to grant that "I s'pose it's all off now" (Crane 409). The news of marriage resigns Scratchy to his former role of town bum; he shuffles off. Scratchy is the first to meet Potter's Eastern bride, and this catalyst wreaks havoc on his world.
Symbolism is defined as the representation; treatment or interpretation of things as symbolic. In society and in particular, literature, symbolism is a prominent component that helps to illustrate a deeper meaning then perceived by the reader. Symbolism can be anything, a person, place or thing, used to portray something beyond itself. It is used to represent or foreshadow the conclusion of the story. In William Golding’s, Lord of the Flies symbolism of the main characters Ralph, Jack and Simon plays a very important role in helping to show how our society functions and the different types of personalities that exist. An examination of Simon as a symbol of good, Ralph as a symbol of the common man, and Jack as a symbol of evil, clearly illustrates that William Golding uses characters as a symbol of what is really happening in the outside world throughout the novel.
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."
Golding uses detail to show Ralph’s change from a civil leader to a mindless savage. When Ralph sits and pokes holes in the sand, he is “surprised” to see blood. He examines his nail and is interested, not concerned, about the blood. He originally was disgusted at the site of blood. This act shows his savage-like fascination with blood. Piggy’s development is also dependent on Golding’s use of detail. Within this passage, Piggy wipes off his glasses twice. There is a sense of paranoia and urgency in this act. Piggy wishes to disconnect from reality and does not want to admit to himself or Ralph their desperate situation. Piggy was originally the voice of reason in the novel. This simple act, however, shows he is changing into an unadmitting fool because he chooses not to see reality due to fear.