The Greater Impact of Symbolism in Literature

Authors often use symbolism to not only enhance the story being read but also give it a deeper meaning, adding many more layers on top of layers to the writing. This pushes readers to analyze the text to discover the hidden clues and meanings referencing the symbolic object. Symbolism can help readers figure out why the author wrote in a certain way or even help others understand the true purpose of the symbol. This ultimately contributes to building upon the important message the author is trying to convey to their readers.

The stories "Battle Royal" by Ralph Ellison and "Hills Like White Elephants" by Ernest Hemingway are great examples of how physical objects take on special significance, creating a greater and deeper interpretation of the narrative. An excellent story that heavily relies on symbolism to convey its hidden message is "Hills Like White Elephants." Throughout the entire short story, the main theme is cleverly obscured, necessitating that readers engage deeply with the text to uncover its underlying meaning.

Hemingway's belief in the Iceberg Theory, also known as the “Theory of Omission,” is evident in "Hills Like White Elephants." This theory suggests that the words on the page should represent merely a small part of the whole story. According to the theory, the words are the proverbial “tip of the iceberg,” and a writer should use as few words as possible to suggest the larger, unwritten story that lies beneath the surface (Sustana, 2018). As readers dissect the text, it becomes apparent that the central theme is abortion, despite the word never being explicitly mentioned.

Once readers piece together the clues, it becomes increasingly evident that the man is trying to persuade the girl that having an abortion is the right choice to maintain their luxurious, carefree, and adventurous lives. Much of the dialogue between the two characters supports this interpretation. For example, the man insists, “That’s the only thing bothering us. It’s the only thing that makes us unhappy.” The girl counters with, “We can have everything. No, we can’t.” These exchanges reveal the man’s frustration with the unplanned pregnancy and his desire to resolve it in a manner that seems unethical to the woman, who is torn between keeping the baby and starting a family or ending its life to preserve her current lifestyle. The unplanned baby symbolizes a significant choice and the unexpected challenges life presents. The story teaches a broader lesson: the choice ultimately belongs to the couple, whether it involves making an ethically questionable decision or embracing the unknown future with the baby. It serves as a life lesson to readers, emphasizing that life will constantly present unforeseen obstacles, and it is up to each individual to overcome them. The symbolism in "Hills Like White Elephants" continues to resonate in modern times, demonstrating its enduring relevance.

Similarly, "Battle Royal" by Ralph Ellison utilizes symbolism to convey a profound message. The narrator serves as the symbolic element that gives the story its deeper meaning, representing the African-American fight for equality. The narrator, who is the main character, embodies perseverance and determination, enduring numerous challenges to deliver a speech aimed at enlightening a group of racist white men who disregard the struggles of black men striving to provide for their families. His speech, “Cast down your bucket where you are, cast it down in making friends in every manly way of the people of all races by whom you are surrounded…” (Ellison, 1952), moves the audience and earns him a prize for his vitality.

Throughout the story, the narrator represents the relentless push for African-American equality. Despite being forced to humiliate himself to receive a scholarship, he perseveres, symbolizing the broader struggle of African-Americans who had to endure systemic inequalities. This is poignantly illustrated by the quote: “Keep This Nigger-Boy Running” (Ellison, 1952), highlighting the resilience of African-Americans in pursuing their dreams despite systemic disadvantages.

On the surface, "Battle Royal" appears to be about a man participating in a fight to deliver a speech about equality. However, a deeper analysis reveals the narrator as a symbol of the African-American struggle. He is not merely a character fighting for a scholarship but a representation of the strength, perseverance, and determination of the African-American community.

Both Hemingway and Ellison use symbolism creatively to impart deeper meanings in their stories. The symbolic objects and characters in their stories significantly impact the narrative, with meanings that extend far beyond the objects themselves. Hemingway's use of an unplanned pregnancy and Ellison's portrayal of a character representing African-American perseverance demonstrate how symbolic elements can lead to profound interpretations and insights in literature.

In conclusion, the use of symbolism in literature serves as a powerful tool for authors to convey complex themes and messages. In "Hills Like White Elephants," Hemingway uses the symbolism of an unplanned pregnancy to explore themes that remain relevant today, while Ellison's "Battle Royal" uses the narrator as a symbol of African-American perseverance. These stories illustrate the enduring power of symbolism to enrich narratives and provide readers with deeper understanding and insight. By analyzing the symbolic elements within these stories, readers can uncover the intricate layers of meaning crafted by the authors, enhancing their appreciation of the literary works.

Did you like this example?

940

49