Symbolism exists to adorn and enrich, not to create an artificial sense of profundity” (Stephen King, On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft). In “The Story of an Hour” by Kate Chopin (1894), “A&P” by John Updike (1986), and “Proof” by David Auburn (2001) each story uses symbolism to communicate a deeper idea than they actually write. They use objects, actions, and characters to give more meaning to the thing itself. In these stories the characters, objects and surroundings symbolize something of a deeper meaning.
Symbolism is used to communicate a deeper meaning throughout “The Story of An Hour” by Kate Chopin (1894). The most distinguished example of symbolism is the open window mentioned throughout the story. After Mrs. Mallard comes to the realization …show more content…
One of the first things were the customers, they symbolize the "sheep" of society; the followers who do whatever everyone else is doing. While Lengel scolds the girls for their indecent attire, "the customers had been showing up with their carts, but you know sheep, seeing a scene, they had all bunched up..." (Updike). Referring to the store customers as "sheep", Sammy places a negative connotation on this word, consequently leaving a negative impression of the customers in our minds. Through this, Sammy is able to emphasize the importance of being an individual and breaking out of that mess of bunched up carts. The Girls symbolize the conflicting customs and values of older generations versus new ones. Being a young teenage girl, I could relate to them. Young people are often expected and pressured to act or look a certain way by older generations. The girls in their bathing suits symbolize their generation's rebellion to the social guidelines that have been presented by their elders. As they made their way down the aisles, "the girls were walking against the usual traffic..." (Updike), symbolizing their resistance to conform to these societal norms these "sheep" has pressured them with. Lengel symbolizes the authority and "policy" that governs society. Figuratively, he represents the societal rules that infringe on one's individuality and independence. After an unsuccessful attempt to stand up for themselves, the girls quiet down as Lengel repeats, "'Girls, I don't want to argue with you. After this come in here with your shoulders covered. It's our policy'... That's policy for you. Policy is what the kingpins want" (Updike). This "policy" is what pushes Sammy to stand up for "his girls" and break free from the pressure that society has placed on him to conform to their standards. Lengel as well as the A&P represents conformity to Sammy. Lengel, however is the human embodiment of said conformity
Symbolism is used to communicate a deeper meaning throughout “The Story of An Hour” by Kate Chopin (1894). The most distinguished example of symbolism is the open window mentioned throughout the story. After Mrs. Mallard comes to the realization …show more content…
One of the first things were the customers, they symbolize the "sheep" of society; the followers who do whatever everyone else is doing. While Lengel scolds the girls for their indecent attire, "the customers had been showing up with their carts, but you know sheep, seeing a scene, they had all bunched up..." (Updike). Referring to the store customers as "sheep", Sammy places a negative connotation on this word, consequently leaving a negative impression of the customers in our minds. Through this, Sammy is able to emphasize the importance of being an individual and breaking out of that mess of bunched up carts. The Girls symbolize the conflicting customs and values of older generations versus new ones. Being a young teenage girl, I could relate to them. Young people are often expected and pressured to act or look a certain way by older generations. The girls in their bathing suits symbolize their generation's rebellion to the social guidelines that have been presented by their elders. As they made their way down the aisles, "the girls were walking against the usual traffic..." (Updike), symbolizing their resistance to conform to these societal norms these "sheep" has pressured them with. Lengel symbolizes the authority and "policy" that governs society. Figuratively, he represents the societal rules that infringe on one's individuality and independence. After an unsuccessful attempt to stand up for themselves, the girls quiet down as Lengel repeats, "'Girls, I don't want to argue with you. After this come in here with your shoulders covered. It's our policy'... That's policy for you. Policy is what the kingpins want" (Updike). This "policy" is what pushes Sammy to stand up for "his girls" and break free from the pressure that society has placed on him to conform to their standards. Lengel as well as the A&P represents conformity to Sammy. Lengel, however is the human embodiment of said conformity