Introduction
This essay will analyze the use of symbolism in three different literary works: “The Yellow Wallpaper,” “A White Heron,” and “The Outcasts of Poker Flat.” They are all significant works of American literature that provide insight into various themes and aspects of American society. Each work employs symbols to convey more profound meaning and explore complex themes.
“The Yellow Wallpaper” uses the symbol of the yellow wallpaper to represent the mental and emotional struggles faced by women during the 19th century. Gilman offers a critical analysis of the patriarchal medical system and its approach toward women, using a compelling metaphor to illustrate the oppressive impact of gender norms in American culture. In “A White Heron,” the eponymous bird symbolizes nature, freedom, and solitude, while also providing a powerful commentary on the role of women in American society. Lastly, through the characters of Mother Shipton and the snowstorm, “The Outcasts of Poker Flat” employs symbolism to explore themes of morality and redemption, simultaneously exposing the hypocrisy of societal moral values in America. This paper analyzes how the authors utilized symbolism to represent the human condition and emotions.
The Yellow Wallpaper
In “The Yellow Wallpaper” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman, the author utilizes the symbol of the yellow wallpaper that reflects the psychological and emotional hardships endured by women in the 19th century. The woman telling the story is experiencing postpartum depression, and her husband has confined her to a room with yellow wallpaper, prohibiting her from participating in any intellectual or creative pursuits.
The yellow wallpaper in the room becomes the central focus of her attention, and she becomes increasingly obsessed with it. The yellow wallpaper represents the narrator’s inner turmoil and mental state. At first, she sees the wallpaper as simply an eyesore, describing it as “dull enough to confuse the eye in following, pronounced enough to constantly irritate and provoke study” (Gilman 4). However, as time passes and she is left alone in the room for extended periods, she begins to see patterns in the wallpaper and becomes convinced that a woman is trapped behind it. This woman symbolizes the narrator’s entrapment and confinement and her desire for freedom.
As the story progresses, the narrator’s obsession with the wallpaper intensifies, and she begins to see it as a reflection of her mental and emotional state. She describes the wallpaper as having “a kind of sub-pattern in a different shade, a particularly irritating one, for you, can only see it in certain lights, and not clearly then” (Gilman 7). This sub-pattern becomes a symbol of the narrator’s mental state, which is difficult to see clearly and understand.
The wallpaper also represents the societal expectations placed on women during this time. The narrator is forbidden from engaging in any intellectual or creative activities, as they are believed to worsen her condition. This mirrors the societal expectations placed on women, who were expected to focus solely on domestic duties and were often discouraged from pursuing education or careers.
A White Heron
In “A White Heron,” the symbolism of the white heron and the natural world around Sylvia represents a deeper connection to emotions and solitude. Sylvia is given the task of showing a hunter who is looking for rare bird species around the area (Jewett 12). As the hunter and Sylvia explore the land, they encounter a majestic white heron. The hunter becomes determined to find the bird and offers Sylvia money to help him. However, Sylvia’s attachment to the bird grows as she observes it and learns about its natural beauty, and she ultimately decides not to reveal the heron’s location to the hunter.
One of the primary symbols in “A White Heron” is the eponymous bird itself. The heron is a symbol of nature, freedom, and individualism, which are all values that Sylvia embodies. Through her interactions with the heron, Sylvia gains a sense of independence and learns to appreciate the natural world around her. This is particularly significant as Sylvia is portrayed as a young girl sheltered from the outside world, and her experiences with the heron allow her to break free from her insular life.
Additionally, the heron can be interpreted as a symbol of Sylvia’s self-discovery and her struggle to find her place in the world. Sylvia is depicted as a thoughtful and introspective character trying to understand her identity. As she observes the heron, she begins to understand the beauty and complexity of nature and the importance of protecting it. By the end of the story, Sylvia’s decision not to reveal the heron’s location to the hunter can be seen as a triumph of her values and sense of self.
The Outcasts of Poker Flat
In “The Outcasts of Poker Flat” by Bret Harte, the author uses symbolism to explore the theme of morality in a rapidly decaying society. The story is set in a small town called Poker Flat, where a wave of lawlessness and debauchery has hit. The townspeople decide to eliminate all the undesirables, including John Oakhurst, a gambler, and two prostitutes, Mother Shipton and The Duchess. As the group makes its way to the outskirts of town, Harte uses the character of Mother Shipton to represent the theme of morality in the story.
Mother Shipton is an older woman who has lived a long and challenging life. She is a devout Christian and is often seen praying or reading from the Bible. She is also very protective of The Duchess, one of the prostitutes banished from the town. Harte uses Mother Shipton’s character to show that even in a decaying society, there are still individuals who hold onto their morals and values. Despite her status as an outcast, Mother Shipton still believes in the power of redemption and is willing to help others in need.
One of the most significant symbols used in the story is the snowstorm that the group encounters on their journey (Harte 49). The snowstorm represents the harshness of the environment in which the outcasts find themselves. The storm is unforgiving, and the group is forced to seek shelter in a small cabin. It is here that Mother Shipton makes her final sacrifice. She gives up her life to save The Duchess, who has fallen ill due to the harsh conditions of the storm.
Harte uses Mother Shipton’s sacrifice to show that even in a society that is decaying, there are still individuals who are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for the sake of others. Her sacrifice is a symbol of the power of redemption and the possibility of change, even in the darkest of circumstances. Mother Shipton’s character is a stark contrast to The Duchess, who represents the corrupt and decadent society in that the group has been exiled.
Conclusion
The use of symbolism in literature allows authors to convey complex themes and ideas in a way that readers easily understand. In each of the three works discussed, “The Yellow Wallpaper,” “A White Heron,” and “The Outcasts of Poker Flat,” the authors use symbols to explore themes of mental and emotional struggles, self-discovery and individualism, and morality in a society that is rapidly decaying. Through the use of symbols such as the yellow wallpaper, the white heron, and the snowstorm, the authors are able to convey their ideas in a powerful and thought-provoking manner, leaving a lasting impact on readers long after the story has ended.
Works Cited
Jewett, Sarah Orne. A White Heron. United States, David R. Godine Publisher, 2005.
Gilman, Charlotte Perkins. The Yellow Wallpaper. Google Auto-narrated Demo, 2018.
Harte, Bret. The Outcasts of Poker Flat. United States, Dramatic Publishing, 1902.