Symbolism 2
Anything that stands for or represents something else is called a symbol. Symbolism is used in everyday life in many different cultures. Symbolism is represented in many different ways as you will see in both The Glass Menagerie and Mulatto. The play Mulatto by Langston Hughes uses a great amount of symbolism to help readers relate to the story. Symbolism is used many times, sometimes with different meanings. In Mulatto, Cora represents the peace-keeper of the house. She tries to make the kids nicer to Mr. Norwood and Mr. Norwood nicer to the kids. Cora is also the divider between the blacks and whites. Robert represents rebellion towards being mistreated. He strongly believes that blacks should be treated differently. He really stands up for his beliefs and his whole race, and often got in to trouble because he was the only one standing up for his color. The largest, most important symbol in this play is the front door. It symbolizes the unacceptance of peoples colors. It often caused conflicts between Robert and his father. "The realistic cause of conflict is the 'color line' the symbolic line that people must cross in order to accept each either as human beings. This is an ideal goal, just as i
2. Williams, Tennessee. The Glass Managerie. Norfolk, Connecticut: The New Classics, 1949. The Glass Menagerie utilizes symbolism in the first scene, the fire escape. "This represents the "bridge" between the illusory world of the Wingfields and the world of reality."(williams, 23). This "bridge" seems to be a one way passage, but the direction varies for each character. For Tom, the fire escape is the way out of the world of Amanda and Laura and an entrance into the world of reality. For Laura, the fire escape is a way into her world. A way to escape from reality. Both examples can readily be seen: Tom will stand outside on the fire escape to smoke, showing that he does not like to be inside, to be a part of the illusionary world. Laura, on the other hand thinks of the fire escape as a way in and not a way out. This can be seen when Amanda sends Laura to go to the store: Laura trips on the fire escape. This also shows that Laura's fears and emotions greatly affect her physical condition, more so than normal people. Jackson, Mississippi; University Press of Mississippi, 1977. The play The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams uses symbolism in the play to distinguish between reality and illusion. This play explores the family dynamics, delusions, and personalities of the Wingfields. This play uses symbolism as an escape or entry into reality.
Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1113
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)
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