Introduction
Many authors usually apply symbolism in their works to accentuate certain emotions of depicted characters. Symbols add depth and diversity to literary pieces and allow readers to establish an emotional connection with characters and events. Different authors of American short stories and poems tend to explore challenging emotions that both men and women can face in their lives, and the works by Sarah Orne Jewett, Kate Chopin, and Paul Laurence Dunbar not only examine the complex emotions of their main characters but also represent protagonists’ overwhelming feelings with the help of using symbols.
Symbols and Emotions in “The White Heron” by Sarah Orne Jewett
In “The White Heron,” symbolism is important in conveying ideas and the author’s feelings about nature, personal dilemmas, and morality. As a result, a white heron is used as a symbol of the inviolability and purity of nature. The protagonist of the short story, Sylvia, is faced with a dilemma: to betray the heron she saw for money and love from a young hunter or to keep the secret and protect the heron.
In this story, symbolism is also used to describe the complex nature of characters and events. Thus, Sylvia is associated with nature and innocence, while the young hunter is associated with human egotism and a desire to dominate nature. In this context, Sylvia’s journey to the top of the tree, where she sees the white heron, symbolizes her awakening and awareness of her duty to nature (Jewett 22). This literary piece uses emotions to create the atmosphere and convey the characters’ complex feelings. As a result, readers can feel Sylvia’s fear, doubt, and joy, understanding her decision to protect the heron as an act of resistance to evil and violence.
Complex Emotions in “A Pair of Silk Stockings” by Kate Chopin
In “A Pair of Silk Stockings,” Kate Chopin presents symbolism in the form of the silk stockings that the main character, Mrs. Sommers, accidentally finds in a store. The stockings symbolize her lost youth and welfare when she was free from household cares and obligations (Chopin 12). The author also uses them to symbolize Mrs. Sommers’ desire to escape from her everyday drudgery and feel like a real free woman again.
One should note that symbolism is also evident in the description of the protagonist and her environment to depict the variety of her emotions and feelings. The shops where Mrs. Sommers spends the day represent the material world she hates but depends on (Chopin 13). Thus, Mrs. Sommers represents the conflict between the desire for individuality and the need to conform to social norms.
Emotions play an essential role in conveying Mrs. Sommers’ inner world. Readers can feel her sudden excitement when she finds the silk stockings and her regret and anxiety when she realizes she has spent all her money. Mrs. Sommers’ emotions make her real and multidimensional, allowing readers to relate to her, and as a result, readers tend to understand and accept Mrs. Sommers’ final choice.
Symbolism in the Poem “We Wear Mask” by Paul Laurence Dunbar
One should note that symbolism in “We Wear the Mask” is reflected in the image of the masks that the characters wear to hide their true feelings and emotions. The masks symbolize false self-identification and oppressive social norms that force people to conceal their true selves. Symbolism is also present in describing the characters’ emotions and experiences.
Dunbar uses metaphors and allegories to show the deep pain and suffering hidden behind the masks (54). He emphasizes the intensity of people’s emotions when they must hide their honest thoughts, visions, and ideas. This approach allows readers to grasp the human experience’s complexity and uncover the masks’ misleading nature. Thus, one should state that emotions play a key role in “We Wear the Mask” as they are the basis for understanding the characters’ suffering and oppression (Dunbar 54). Fear, sorrow, anger, and despair permeate the poem, allowing readers to feel the characters’ emotional burden.
Conclusion
In their works, such famous authors as Sarah Orne Jewett, Kate Chopin, and Paul Laurence Dunbar successfully use symbolism and various complex emotions to convey a specific meaning and the inner world of their characters. Thus, it is possible to state that they add some meaning and depth to their literary pieces while focusing on symbols and feelings. These elements help readers connect with the characters and understand their motives, fears, and desires.
Through symbolism, the authors create complex and multifaceted images that reflect various aspects of human nature and social problems. Emotions, in turn, allow readers to feel the stories, making them brighter and more realistic. In conclusion, these three works are vivid examples of how authors can use symbolism and emotions to create powerful and profound stories that touch the hearts and minds of readers.
Works Cited
Chopin, Kate. Pair of Silk Stockings. Dreamscape Media, 2017.
Dunbar, Paul Laurence. The Collected Poetry of Paul Laurence Dunbar. University of Virginia Press,1993.
Jewett, Sarah Orne. A White Heron: And Other Stories. Independently Published, 2021.