The Functions of Symbolism in Literature: Analysis of Literary Works

Literature frequently employs symbolism to imbue meaning beyond the ordinary. A symbol, in the realm of literature, is a figure of speech where an object, person, or situation represents something beyond its literal definition. Most fiction authors harness the power of symbolism as a central rhetorical device to enhance the significance of their narratives. Writers like Cisneros, O'Connor, and Poe employ symbolism extensively to allude to various objects and convey diverse concepts. Through various forms of symbolism, they vividly illustrate character personalities, story tones, and societal backgrounds.

In this essay, we will delve into the profound and intricate world of symbolism as utilized by these authors to enrich their literary works.

Symbols in "The House on Mango Street" by Sandra Cisneros

If we merely scratch the surface when reading "The House on Mango Street," we might miss the depth of Esperanza's desires and her complex personality. She resides in a modest, crooked, and drab house that symbolizes the limited opportunities available to her as a young, impoverished Hispanic woman.

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Her dreams, however, extend beyond her physical surroundings. Esperanza yearns for a different kind of home, one she describes as, "a house all my own, with my porch and my pillow, my pretty purple petunias. Only a house quiet as snow, a space for myself to go, clean as paper before the poem" (Cisneros, Sandra). This dream house represents her hope for a brighter future, a future where she can perpetually strive for something better. The house becomes a symbol of protection and stability amid the challenges of her childhood, offering her a sanctuary to dream of a brighter tomorrow.

This symbolism also underscores the hopeful tone prevalent throughout the book.

Another notable symbol in the narrative is the cluster of four trees outside Esperanza's window, described as "four skinny trees with skinny necks and pointy elbows like mine. Four who do not belong here but are here. Four raggedy excuses planted by the city" (Cisneros, Sandra). Esperanza identifies herself with these trees, admiring their resilience despite being out of place. The trees' unwavering growth mirrors her inner strength and bravery. Just as the trees are misfits in the city landscape, Esperanza is an outsider in the community due to her poverty and limited expectations. Yet, both she and the trees persist in their growth, defying their harsh environments and societal norms.

One symbol that stands out is a pair of high heels. These heels represent Esperanza's yearning for escape. When her neighbor gifts her and her friend Lucy a pair, Esperanza seizes the opportunity to run and walk away from the confines of life on Mango Street, eager to discover her true identity. Her society is dominated by men, and women are often treated as second-class citizens. Shoes serve as a reminder of her childhood desire to be attractive while grappling with the pursuit of independence and equality. Symbolism proves indispensable in the narrative, allowing the author to convey events and emotions that words alone may struggle to elucidate. It enables readers to grasp complex ideas by drawing comparisons to unrelated elements within the story.

Symbols in "A Good Man is Hard to Find" by Flannery O'Connor

In Flannery O'Connor's "A Good Man is Hard to Find," symbolism plays a crucial role in character portrayal, thematic development, and the establishment of the story's tone. The grandmother, a central character in the narrative, initially presents herself as a pious and virtuous woman, professing her faith in God and moral rectitude. However, beneath her façade of piety lies a stubborn, selfish, and old-fashioned woman deeply rooted in Southern culture.

The grandmother's attire becomes a symbol of her desire for recognition and her fixation on maintaining the appearance of a "lady." O'Connor vividly describes her attire, stating, "[t]he old lady settled herself comfortably, removing her white cotton gloves and putting them up with her purse on the shelf in front of the back window. Her collars and cuffs were white organdy trimmed with lace, and at her neckline, she had pinned a purple spray of cloth violets containing a sachet" (Flannery O'Connor). The grandmother's meticulous choice of clothing reflects her preoccupation with being perceived as a respectable lady, even in dire circumstances. Her hat, a "navy blue straw sailor with a bunch of white violets on the brim," becomes a symbol of her steadfast commitment to maintaining her social standing and identity (Flannery O'Connor). This fixation on her appearance and reputation overshadows the looming tragedy that befalls her family.

As the narrative unfolds, the grandmother's hat undergoes a transformation, mirroring her moral decline. Following a car accident and an encounter with the Misfit, a criminal on the run, the brim of her hat falls off, signifying the dissolution of her self-conception as a lady. Her attachment to the hat represents her misplaced priorities, emphasizing her self-centered nature. In the face of imminent danger, she clings to the symbol of her moral conviction, which ultimately disintegrates, reflecting her growing desperation and vulnerability.

Additionally, the grandmother's insistence on visiting an old plantation becomes a symbol of her nostalgia for the past and her belief in the inherent goodness of people. Her perception of the plantation as a place where people were kinder and more virtuous than in the present world underscores her idealized view of the past. However, the realization that the plantation is not in the expected location symbolizes the distortion of the past through selective memory. This revelation serves as a thematic commentary on the fallibility of human memory and the tendency to romanticize the past.

Furthermore, the family's ill-fated detour onto a remote road, leading to their encounter with the Misfit and his gang, symbolizes the spiritual straying of individuals from the righteous path. In a broader sense, it serves as a metaphor for humanity's propensity to deviate from moral and ethical principles. The town's name, "Toombsboro," takes on a symbolic significance as well, evoking associations with death and doom. The presence of clouds in the sky during their journey symbolizes the grandmother's superficial faith, which wanes as the story progresses. However, it is only in the story's climax, when the sky becomes cloudless and clear, that the grandmother's faith dissipates completely, paralleling the empty sky and reflecting the spiritual vacuum that follows.

Symbols in "The Black Cat" by Edgar Allan Poe

Edgar Allan Poe's "The Black Cat" explores the descent of the narrator from a man with a warm heart and affection for animals to one characterized by moodiness, irritability, and cruelty. The central symbol in this narrative is the first black cat, named Pluto, an allusion to the Roman God of the Underworld. Pluto symbolizes the narrator's malevolent and violent nature. After a night of intoxication that terrifies the cat, the narrator mutilates the cat by removing one of its eyes, believing this act will obscure the cat's perception of his evil nature. The act of mutilation reflects the narrator's deepening moral decay and detachment from empathy. Ultimately, the narrator's escalating cruelty leads to the horrific act of hanging Pluto, signifying his inability to accept love and compassion.

The color black, an archetypal symbol associated with evil and darkness, further reinforces the ominous nature of the first black cat. This symbolism underscores the cat's role as a victim of the narrator's malevolent heart. The narrator's transformation into a cruel and violent figure is encapsulated in this symbol.

The second black cat in the narrative carries a different symbolic weight. Resembling the first cat in many ways, it serves as a haunting reminder of the night when the narrator's descent into cruelty began. However, what distinguishes this cat is the prominent white spot that covers its chest. The color white, symbolically neutral, often represents purity and innocence. In this context, the white spot serves as a striking contrast to the narrator's malevolence, highlighting the guilt and remorse that plague his conscience.

Moreover, the white spot's ability to change shape adds an eerie dimension to its symbolism. It signifies the malleability of the narrator's guilt, its capacity to manifest in various forms and torment him relentlessly. The second black cat, with its ever-changing white spot, becomes an embodiment of the narrator's tortured psyche.

Poe's use of symbolism in "The Black Cat" goes beyond character portrayal. It delves into the thematic exploration of guilt, moral deterioration, and the consequences of unchecked malevolence. The narrative's tone is undeniably horrific, intensified by the symbolism that underscores the narrator's descent into darkness.

Conclusion

In conclusion, symbolism serves as a powerful and indispensable tool in literature, enabling authors to convey complex ideas, emotions, and themes. Through the works of Sandra Cisneros, Flannery O'Connor, and Edgar Allan Poe, we have witnessed how symbols enrich narratives by delving into the unconscious, setting tones, and enhancing our understanding of characters and societal backgrounds. "The House on Mango Street," "A Good Man is Hard to Find," and "The Black Cat" are prime examples of how symbolism can elevate storytelling, immersing readers in the intricate web of meanings woven beneath the surface of words. As readers, we are invited to explore the hidden depths of these narratives, uncovering the profound messages that symbols convey. Symbolism, in the hands of skilled authors, transforms literature into a tapestry of profound significance, where every symbol contributes to the intricate design of the narrative.