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.
The main symbols in The Glass Menagerie are the glass menageries themselves. Laura, the daughter in the story, collects little glass figurines or animals; these figurines are called menageries. The small, glass, figures represent numerous elements of Laura’s personality. Both Laura and the figurines are fragile, whimsical, and somewhat behind the times. As Anita Gates writes, in her article "When Appearances Aren't What They Seem" Laura “is as delicate as the tiny glass animals she collects” (10). Laura is very fragile and weak in body, mind, and spirit. The menageries are weak also because they are made of glass. Therefore, both the figurines and Laura have to be cared for and treated lightly because of the possible damage that could be done to them if they were not properly taken care of.
The menagerie also symbolizes the ...
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.... Williams uses symbols and figurative language to allow the reader and the audience to understand the deeper meaning and purpose of his writing. Each symbol proved very significant in explaining the underlying emotions throughout the drama. Every character had something that represented how they felt or what they were going through. Amanda symbolized with the past and her objects of the past, such as her yellow dress. Tom symbolized with the movies and the fire escape which represented an escape from his present life. Laura symbolized with the glass menagerie which was delicate and fragile. Each of the three main characters had deep feelings that only could be seen through the symbols that Williams used along the way. By using so many symbols, the reader is able to truly understand the feelings of each of the characters and relate to their hopes and dreams.
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.
...e of the meanings to be determined by the reader, but clearly conveys the meaning behind others. Such variety provides something or someone for any reader to relate to. Symbolism, hidden or obvious, serves to connect the reader with the characters of “The Things They Carried” and follow their development with interest and ease. In many cases, symbols answer the question which the entire story is based upon, why the men carry the things they do.
Laura is the owner and caretaker of the glass menagerie. In her own little fantasy world, playing with the glass animals is how she escapes from the real world in order to get away from the realities and hardships she endures. Though she is crippled only to a very slight degree physically, her mind is very disabled on an emotional level. Over time, she has become very fragile, much like the glass, which shatters easily, as one of the animals lost its horn; she can lose control of herself. Laura is very weak and open to attack, unable to defend herself from the truths of life. The glass menagerie is an unmistakable metaphor in representing Laura’s physical and mental states.
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
In literature, symbolism is a specific word, phrase, or action that represents a deeper, abstract meaning. Authors use symbolism to give an object or action more meaning and interest. Readers should care about symbolism since it gives the story emotion and meaning. I believe the three major symbols that S.E. Hinton uses in “The Outsiders” is Johnny stabbing Bob, Pony seeing dawn, and Ponyboy stepping in dew.
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.
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."
Because the glass menagerie symbolizes more than one feature, its imagery can be considered both consistent and fluctuating. The consistent side of this portrayal is that the menagerie is a constant symbol of Laura’s personality.
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.
Many authors and poets uses symbolism to express emotion and sections throughout the text. Symbols is a great literary device that can help give messages to the reader without the author being too direct. In the story, “Barns Burning” by William Faulkner, Symbolism helps analysis different emotions and meaning throughout the story.
Although the whole play The Glass Menagerie is influential, the scene where Laura’s glass unicorn breaks is a focal point, and greatly affects the story as whole. It puts forth a major theme of the story, that society strives for conformity, and helps infuse this theme throughout the text. It helps the reader understand Laura’s character, and understand her changing viewpoint and feelings. This scene provides a strong basis for Williams to create a truly original drama.
Whether the color being symbolized contradicts their lifestyle or correlatively fits the characters lifestyle. After reading Tenesse Williams's literature we can conclude he uses the symbolism of color to emphasize certain atmospheres and characteristic features of places or things in his literature. The author also uses color in objects in his literature as well to symbolize their meaning in the story. By doing so he contrasts the characters personal traits and lifestyles. Which creates a more clear and better visual for the reader. The characters being symbolized by color is what the author thought fit that specific character. Therefore we can conclude in literature symbolism takes form of a figure of speech where an object, person, or situation has another meaning other than its literal
The last symbol that I see as important for the theme is the father of Tom and Laura, Mr. Wingfield. He is the ultimate symbol of escape, as he has actually managed to get away. The fact that Amanda still has his picture on the wall tells us something about another way that she is attempting to escape; by keeping hold of the past, as the picture is probably there to remind of the good
Wiliam’s use of symbolism in The Glass Menagerie adds a lot of meaning to the play. The fire escape has important meanings for each of the characters. For Tom, the fire escape is the way out of the world of Amanda and Laura, and an entrance into a world of adventure. For Amanda, the fire escape is perceived as a way for gentlemen callers to enter their lives. She is also trying to escape her own vacant life. And for Laura, the fire escape is a way into her own world where nobody else can invade. The fire escape portrays the escape from reality into a world of illusion for each character.