Symbolism In David Lynch's Blue Velvet

Absurdist media is characterized by its intentional incoherency, and David Lynch's Blue Velvet is a prime example of such. It is sometimes difficult to differentiate between what is symbolic, and what is weird for the sake of weird. Are continuity errors, such as a dress changing between frames, intentional or just sheer mistake or coincidence? Throughout absurdist media these questions types of questions are frequently asked, but not always answered. Despite its somewhat bizarre structure, Blue Velvet, the story of a small town mystery is carried through its setting, major and minor characters, and symbols. If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound? Lumberton, USA, a fictional town that could be anywhere within the United States, is the stage for this film. It seems like the ideal suburban lifestyle, with green grass, picket fences, and the booming lumber industry. While Jeffrey is spying on Frank in his car, the radio says that Lumbertion is the only town where they truly know how much wood a woodchuck chucks. It is evident that there is not much else going on

The ear was the initiator of curiosity; it was very thing that got Jeffrey into this position. The ear of Donald being cut off refers to Van Gogh, explicitly stated by Frank himself. This could refer to the mental health state of Frank. The insects could symbolize the scumminess or ill intent of people like Frank, which Jeffrey has to exterminate. The robins, although said to be a symbol of light and love by Sandy, commonly represent birth. In the final scene, the robin is shown eating the bug, showing that love has conquered and the evil has been slain. Light and dark are also symbols in this film, as almost everything Frank does is in the dark. When he rapes Dorothy, he blows out the candles and says, "Now it's dark," as if the light prohibits him from behaving in such a