...Literature: Symbolism of a Journey Tracy Locke ENG125 Karen McFarland October 7, 2013 Reading a story, a poem, or a play introduces you to an imaginary world (Clugston, W.R. (2010). When reading literature we must enter the imaginary world; enter the world the author is creating. The story “A Worn Path” by Eudora Welty in 1941 and the poem “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost in 1916 both use the theme of journey to symbolize life decisions. One speaks of a “Path” the other a “Road” the theme that each of these writings share is presented differently throughout the piece of literature. These two pieces of literature symbolize a journey, through using content, form, style, symbolism and imagination, although used differently in many ways they both are symbolizing a journey through life. The theme in a story is a representation of the idea behind the story (Clugston, W.R.(2010). In the pieces of literature I have chosen, the theme is speaking of journeys, one journey for love and the other life, but both having to make life decisions. The authors took different approaches in showing the reader the journey, the life decisions that had to be made. Both works have characters making a journey. In the poem “The Road Not Taken”, the narrator has been traveling and has reached a point where the road divides. The narrator is a traveler. Likewise, in the short story “A Worn Path”, the main character is on a trip to town. She is travelling from home through the pines...
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...Thomas Foster explains in his novel, How to Read Literature Like a Professor, that symbolism is used by authors to convey multiple messages. One symbol will not be demoted to just one meaning. This is because as authors, they must take into account that they have a wide variety of readers, so they need something that can involve everyone. Take for example, Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. In this novel, one of her themes is light. As such a vague topic, it can be interpreted many different ways. Light is the thing that allows one to see and find their way. Light is seen as heavenly. Light is seen as a good quality. All possible and valid topics. Shelley decided to use the opposite of light, to make the light more visible. "It was on a dreary night...
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...“A Worn Path” is the story of an old woman experiencing a journey in her life with countless struggles along the way. Eudora Welty’s short story “A Warn Path” gives us the journey that an old woman makes out of love for her family and the strong will and determination she has to complete the journey. Robert Frost’s poem “The Road Not Taken” is a poem about having to make a hard decision during his journey of life. Robert Frost’s poem “The Road Not Taken” gives us the journey on a man who has to make a decision and choose what path he wants to spend the rest of his life down. Both “A Warn Path” and “The Road Not Taken” have one particular theme which is “Journey,” but both pieces of literature have different content, form and style. While the journey is the theme of each of these pieces of literature, each author gives a different perspective of the journey through different meaning. In the poem “The Road Not Taken,” Robert Frost portrays the journey as the choices people take in their life and the impact of these choices to their future. Frost shows how a choice today has long term effects on what they will become tomorrow. Frost gives the reader the scenario of choosing the path that many others choose, or choosing the path that few choose to solve their choice. One path has to be chosen and Frost...
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...“Symbolism in Oedipus the King” Literature is composed of various tactics in order to make the reading more interesting and compelling to the audience. One of my favorite literary elements or devices is the use of symbolism. According to Merriam - Webster, symbolism is “the use of symbols to express or represent ideas or qualities in literature” (Webster). This definition might seem elementary to most. However, symbolism can be used to bring out deeper meanings in a text or express the intangible elements by the means of visual representations. Sophocles did a marvelous job of this in the play Oedipus the King. While reading Oedipus the King, there were four instances of symbolism that stood out to me: Oedipus’ scared feet, the murder at the crossroads, the mention of blindness that is present throughout the play and lastly Oedipus himself. Each one of these examples of symbolism adds character to Sophocles’ work of literature. They help guide the tone of the text. When Oedipus was merely three days old his parents, King Laius and Queen Jocasta, received a prophecy from Apollo saying that one day their son would one day kill his father and intermarry in to his family with his mother. Upon hearing this news, Oedipus’ parents bound and pierced his feet. The King and Queen then sent him off to be abandoned in hopes of avoiding the dreadful prophecy. Oedipus survived the incident and was left with scars on his feet. The scars that were present on Oedipus’ feet throughout his lifetime...
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...Significance of literature in Hemingway’s writings as a “soldier” Literature as a soldier can be of importance in that it is reflected by one of Hemingway’s writing “Soldier’s home” which depicts the life of a young soldier at war who faces challenges and in the end he returns home. It gives clear information on the experience a soldier faces in the war and the shock the soldier gets when he returns back at home. The main character in the book, Harold Krebs is challenged back in his own hometown by the villagers when he and other soldiers return from the war. He is majorly faced with hostility from his opposition members in the society. He as the soldier in the book, literature is important in that Krebs shows the meaning of repetition, characterization including the symbolism in the field of literature. It is true that literature is given power to display the symbolism giving the literal meaning of the events in the book. With symbolism in the book, “Soldier’s home”; gives a soldier profession to have a meaning that is concrete. It gives war to be the main theme while when Krebs returns home, being a soldier becomes a fascinating idea to him. All this is revealed when he returns back home remembering all the challenges he faced during the war. This gives a learning experience to the reader by understanding the real essence of becoming a soldier. It gives the reader the knowledge to understand the profession of becoming a soldier and prepares the reader to be ready for the task...
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...Symbolism in “The Cask of Amontillado” Symbolism in “The Cask of Amontillado” The symbolism throughout Edgar Allen Poe’s “The Cask of Amontillado” constantly pair similar ideas that contradict each other. The characters are unaware of the symbolic details in conversations or events that occur throughout the story. The reader may find him/her self siding with Montresor since we have all been insulted at one time or another, but that doesn’t constitute revenge to the point of killing a person. Literature containing symbolism can be interpreted or viewed differently by the reader. Poe put much effort and thought into the details of his literature, he painted a descriptive picture for the reader matter how dark and dreary. The name “Fortunato” means fortune/fortunate, which is symbolic because it is the complete opposite for the character in this story since his fate has been decided for him, “derivation from the verb fortunate, blessed by the goddess fortuna, or random fate. Naturally, to embrace fortuna was unthinkable in the Reformed traditions. Fate was not random” (87). Montresor is constantly smiling at Fortunato so he will have no suspicion of his bad intentions. “I continued, as was my wont, to smile in his face, and he did not perceive that my smile now was at the thought of his immolation” (108). A kind gesture such as a smile can be misleading, it is hard to depict whether an individual is a friend or foe. Fortunato is dressed as...
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...Symbolism in Literature In literature, symbolism is used to provide meaning to the writing beyond what is actually being described. The plot and action that take place in a story can be thought of as one level, while the symbolism of certain things in the writing acts on another level to enhance the story. It is a product of the culture of the day and reveals the culture in return. Symbolism can take place by having the theme of a story represented on a physical level. A simple example might be the occurrence of a storm at a critical point, when there are conflicts or high emotions. The storm might symbolize these. Similarly a transition from day to night, or spring to winter, could symbolize a move from goodness to evil, or hope to despair. A river in a scene could represent the flow of life, from birth to death. Flowers can symbolize youth or beauty. Take The Loons as an example, it is just a typical novel with symbolism from beginning till the end, with “the loons” throughout as a symbol of Piquette. Through the parallel of loons and Piquette, it is easy to find their common inability to change themselves and their environment——loons are unable to adapt to modern human invasion; Piquette is unable to escape the cultural stereotypes imposed on her. The novel reflects the ecological and ethical crises between man and nature and among humans for conquest and criticizes the power ideology embodied in the crises. Vanessa casually describes Piquette’s tuberculosis...
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...“The black crow stares at me with death in his eyes,” would be a good example of symbolism. Symbolism is the use of symbols, like the crow, to represent ideas, like death. Crows are seen as a sign of death to some. Symbolism is used in everyday life, from literature to even when we talk. The story “Once Upon a Time” written by Nadine gordimer had good use of symbolism. In the story, a wealthy family lived in a very poor and angered place. They were worried about the safety of their little boy so they decided to have a wall put up to protect themselves. In the end though, the wall didn’t protect them. An excerpt from the book, ”He dragged a ladder to the wall, the shining coiled tunnel was just wide enough for his little body to creep in, and with the first fixing of its razor teeth in his knees and hands and head he screamed and struggled deeper into its tangles……Then the man and his wife burst wildly into the garden…….the alarms screamed while the bleeding mass of the little boy was hacked out of the security coil with...
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...Characteristics of Old and Middle English Literature In many works from the Old English period, which was approximately between 600-1100, there were many distinguishing characteristics, which included heroism, a strict class system, religion, and teachings of moral behavior. Some different characteristics of Old English literature, which is a language derived from Old German, include a strong belief in fate in a very poetry dominated era. Many of the poems are called elegies of that time, which were sorrowful poems, such as “The Wanderer.” Another large characteristic of Old English literature is that of praising or honoring heroes of any kind, especially ones that prevail in battle. Some of these include the Cross from, “Dream of the Rood,” Beowulf from Beowulf, the lost hero in “The Wanderer,” Judith from “Judith,” and the biggest hero who is included in almost all poems and pieces of Old English literature, Christ. Many of these works express much religious faith having to do with Christianity. The Anglo-Saxon people also had a very strict class system. Going along with the faith they believed in the Great Chain of Being, which said that when God made the entire world each creature was put in their position. God made a monarchy and put the members of that high status position there for a reason and did the same for a person who was a slave, God made them that and put them in that position in society. The people on the top of the chain are supposed to help the others...
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...A Worn Path Sandra D Mack ENG125: Introduction to Literature Instructor: Lesa Hadley January 30, 2012 The Pilgrimage throughout life presents familiar and unfamiliar paths of traveling. These paths can sometimes result in crossing areas of self-sacrifice as well as areas of hardship. While others paths of traveling may find an individual faced with victories and a sense of self accomplishments. Motivation and determination seem to be the driven force that compels individuals to continue throughout this journey called life. In the short story titled, “A Worn Path”, the author Eudora Welty, creatively incorporates the use of theme and symbolism to effectively layout a storyline that depicts the path of life of an elderly black woman. In the short story, “A Worn Path”, the author uses symbolic language and theme to identify the conflicts, struggles, self-scarifies and determination that one must face throughout the journey of life. The use of this symbolic language allows the major themes of sacrificial love in the face of hardship and death to be easily identified throughout the story. ” A Worn Path” passes far beyond it’s time capsule and remarkable fusion a number of different elements which incorporate myths, legend, and religious undertones which provide the story with a universally understanding of life and the struggles and accomplishments individuals must face on this journey called life (Moberly, 2005). Throughout the short story, titled, “A Worn...
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...William Shakespeare’s Macbeth uses three main literary elements throughout the play. In this paper I will discuss the symbolism, irony, and metaphors portrayed thought this play. I will use the play from our required text from the Ashford University online book, “Journey into Literature “by R.W Clugston, Ch.14.3 (2010). The parts leading up to, during, and after the murder of the character Duncan shows these three literary elements to their fullest. The use of symbolism, irony, and metaphors has captured my attention, and I find it interesting on how they all tie in together. Symbolism is defined as “One thing stands for another.” (Wikipedia). In the play Macbeth, I believe that Shakespeare uses symbolism to capture the reader’s attention and keep it thought the entire piece. For an example when Lady Macbeth helped commit the murder of Duncan, she could not escape her feelings and emotions of compassion and the guilt became overwhelming which drove her insane. Lady Macbeth dreaming of a blood on her hands is how Shakespeare portrays her guilt. “Out, damned spot! Out, I say! (Clugston, 2010, Shakespeare Act V scene 1). The blood is symbolic of Lady Macbeth’s guilt of the murder. According to our book, irony is “created when a discrepancy or contradiction occurs between what is expected to happen and what actually happens in a situation (situation irony) or in an expressed statement (verbal irony). (Clugston, 2010). Shakespeare uses irony to connect the murder of Duncan and...
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...Symbolism of the Journey in "The Road Not Taken" and "A Worn Path" ENG125: Introduction to Literature Instructor: Deborah Cunningham Amber Huntley April 9, 2013 Symbolism of the Journey in "The Road Not Taken" and "A Worn Path" When reading a short story or a poem it is not possible to comprehend the author’s true meaning of his or her written word without using symbolism to bring the literary work to life. Oftentimes the symbolism can be interpreted differently by each individual. We do know that the symbolism of literary works are created in the imagination of the writer to show certain events or interrelated facets of the literary work. Moreover, the joy of reading is so that the reader can interpret what these symbols mean to them and begin the wonderful journey into the world of literature. As we read, we begin to unravel and decode the symbolic nature of the characters journey throughout the written word. Also; the journey is not only in the reading of the literary work but, in deciphering the symbolism to find its true meaning as it relates to you, the reader of the short story or poem. Therefore, we can see from Robert Frost’s poem, “The Road Not Taken,” and Eudora Welty’s short story, “A Worn Path” that the symbolism a writer uses is the journey to discovering the path of the literary work itself. The best example of this symbolic journey is Robert Frost’s poem, “The Road Not Taken.”. In this poem we read about a man...
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...Hawthorne’s Literature “Young Goodman Brown” by Nathaniel Hawthorne is a story that shows an evil perspective of the world. Hawthorne truly shows the truth that hides behind closed doors, or one could say the evil truth that hides deep into the woods. The journey he entailed was an eye opening experience that changed Young Goodman brown forever. In “The Ministers Black veil” by Nathaniel Hawthorne the minister also has an experience that changes him forever. The minister openly chooses to show that he is a holy man, but evil is still present in his life. The veil symbolizes the evil that he has chosen to live with. Evil, Symbolism, and everlasting impact are all very present thematic connections in “Young Goodman brown” and “The Ministers Black veil.” In Hawthorne’s literature, “Young Goodman brown” and “The Ministers Black veil,” evil is the most prominent theme. To a certain degree the devil consumes both men in the literature. In “The Ministers Black Veil,” evil has already been explored, but evil is equally as present. (Barry 16) Hawthorne never reveals what...
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...A Comparison of Symbolism in “Young Goodman Brown” and “The Lottery” Symbolism is when the author uses an object or reference to add deeper meaning to a story. Symbolism in literature can be subtle or blatant; it can also be used sparingly or considerably. An author may repeatedly use the same object to convey deeper meaning or may use variations of the same object to create an overarching mood or feeling. Many authors use symbolism to further foretell and capture the important elements of the story. Both Nathaniel Hawthorne in “Young Goodman Brown" and Shirley Jackson in “The Lottery’, use symbolism in these short stories. The stories both contain symbols describing evil. Hawthorne’s symbolism describes good versus evil, while Jackson's symbolism reflects the evil nature within society as a whole. The first two characters that Hawthorne introduces, Young Goodman Brown and his wife Faith, are both symbolic in their names. Brown's name symbolizes youth and good nature. Brown is a young man throughout the story, and his youth suggests that he has yet to be corrupted by the world and is still innocent. Hawthorne writes, "Faith, as the wife was aptly named, thrust her own pretty head into the street, letting the wind play with the pink ribbons on her cap, while she called to Goodman Brown" (Hawthorne 331). Faith’s name symbolizes the trust and virtue that is found within a good wife. It may also hint at the faith that Young Goodman Brown struggles to hang Haney 2 onto. As...
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...The reflection of The Story of an Hour ENGLISH 125: Introduction to literature Instructor: Robert Solomon Diana Walker January 21, 2013 A women’s quest for freedom The Story of an Hour is a short story written in 1894 by Kate Chopin. Kate Chopin was a women writing in a time where women were not considered equal to men. Mrs. Chopin wrote the story of an hour with a powerful message behind it. This short story was about a woman who was unhappy in her marriage. The theme of this story is freedom. When Mrs. Mallard was told her husband had perish in a train wreck it seemed as though she was stricken with grief, but as the story goes on she shows great relief that he is gone. He’s death meant that she could start anew and have a life of freedom. This story was full of symbolism. After reading the text I found many word in this piece that symbolized the theme. The author use words like sun (life source), rain (blessing or sadness), spring (new beginnings), blue (peacefulness), and rose (beauty –love). “She could see in the open square the tops of trees that were all aquiver with new spring life. The delicious breath of rain was in the air “. (clugston R.W. (2010) Journey to Literature). At first I wasn’t able to see the symbolism in the story, but after a second read a more research in the text on what symbolism is I was able to see it. Setting and symbolisms in the story of an hour make the theme. The story was written in 1894 which is not reflected in the story as...
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