The House of Seven Gables: Symbolism

value it. It wasn’t anything that was constructed by society, it’s something of her own, something

In the memoir, The Glass Castle, it was evident the Glass Castle was not just a physical object itself, but holds a deeper meaning of symbolism towards the author, Jeannette Walls. After completing the book, it has been noted that the Glass Castle symbolizes the constant reminder of Jeannette’s hope that one day both her family and house will be in a stable, working position. Throughout the novel, the Glass Castle was vaguely mentioned as the Walls family continued their journey through the United States. However, through their ongoing journey, Jeannette’s view of the Glass Castle changed, as it was inevitably just a vision that her father had implanted in her brain but never actually built in reality.

Authors use symbolism in order to prove points, represent emotions, or even to show ideas. In the memoir, The Glass Castle written by Jeanette Walls, the 'Glass Castle' itself represents the ray of hope that each child had as they grew up in a financially troubled and twisted family. The Glass Castle design was also used by her father as a way to get his children to trust that he will always try to provide for and protect his family. Rex Walls, Jeanette's father stated that the Glass Castle would have glass staircases, heating and cooling powered by solar energy, and even a water purification system. He planned the rooms with extreme precision and, “Carried the blueprints for the Glass Castle wherever [they] went” (Walls 25). He even had the kids, “Work on the design for our rooms” (Walls 25). All of this would be funded by his Prospector machine which would separate gold from other rocks. However, this machine was never used and Rex's drinking and gambling habits would always force the Walls family to move to a new location, putting the idea of the Glass Castle in the back of their minds.

Symbols in literary works can express an idea, clarify meaning, or enlarge literal meaning. Symbols can appear in a novel as an event, action, or object. In Their Eyes Were Watching God, the author, Zora Neale Hurston, uses the symbols of the gate to show Janie’s transitions to womanhood, independence from oppression, and realization of what love is to Janie.

Phoebe seems really suspicious and feels mad about her mother's disappearance. “I think we should call the police or something,” Phoebe repeated.” creech 118. Phoebe seems really sad about the situation and wishes that her mom could just come back. Phoebe thinks the worst case scenario. “Maybe we should call the police,” phoebe said . “ I think she was kidnaped or something.” Phoebe seems scared and anxious and she wants to know what happened to her mother. Phoebe's mother comes home with mike. “Mike?” Mr.Winterbottom said. He was quite red in the face.” (Creech 232) Phoebe states that her dad seems really mad and does not like mike he is jealous. Phoebe clearly feels sad and wants her mother back and she does come back with mike so now Phoebe is relieved and surprised with

Authors may use this item to tell the story with different items and by using symbolism many

He started wondering what Phoebe would think of him if he got pneumonia and died. From that thought, he wanted to see Phoebe, so he went home.

Ever looked at somebody and thought that they were a terrible person? This is probably because they embody at least one of the seven deadly sins. These sins have been around for centuries and have been used over and over again in many stories. Some of the best examples of the deadly sins are found in the characters of The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer. These characters, the pilgrims, vary in profession, personality, and background; most being guilty of at least one of the seven deadly sins. Continuing, Chaucer’s pilgrims will be exposed of their deadly sins that they are guilty of, each with an explanation.

The title of an author's books often is the most profound symbolism in the book. The Glass Castle, by Jeannette Walls, is no exception. The glass castle was created in the imagination of a young Jeanette and her father Rex Walls. It was a glass house that all the Walls family would live in, and be self sufficient. Through her childhood the glass castle was a lighthearted dream, and a promise from her dad, that one day they would have a stable life. One were she did not have to worry about where her next meal was coming from. The glass castle was also proof that the negligent father cared. “He carried around the blueprints [for] the glass castle wherever he went, and sometimes he’d pull them out and let us work on the design of our rooms” (Walls

These are three of the bible’s seven deadly sins that are ingrained in our society. Sins that our heroes are still fighting today.

Symbols are important in each story to define the theme. Close observation of the symbols within each story proves to one their

For example, throughout the entirety of Lord of the Flies, William Golding uses symbols to advance the plot of the novel. These symbols, whether they are characters, objects, or ideas, hold the power and ability to change the course of the story. The symbols can hold many different meanings and can conflict with one another, with this new issues arise which further develops the plot of the story. As said before, Mr. Golding uses symbols in his story Lord of the Flies to control the destiny of the boys.

The house is another symbol used in the story which seems to carry an associative relationship with Emily Grierson. In the opening paragraph, Emily is referred to as a “fallen monument” (Faulkner, p.668). Once young and full of promise, Emily’s appearance in later years are described as “bloated, like a

and he became bitter and spiritless. Then he develops a special bond with Phoebe. Despite the

The house is referred to as a prison by Hawthorne; he calls Hepzibah and Clifford inmates. The house is a prison because it prevents the inhabitants from truly enjoying any freedom. The inmates attempt an escape from their prison twice. Initially, as Phoebe and Clifford watch the parade of life in the street, Clifford realizes that his life has become meaningless, and he cannot help but try to join the masses below. This could mean the only way for Clifford to become truly reunited with mankind is through death. Unfortunately, Clifford fails to win his freedom and returns to the solace of his prison. The second attempt at escape is by Clifford and Hepzibah. They attempt to escape the clutches of the house, but, alas, it is too late for them. The house has affected them too much to stay away. This is apparent when Hepzibah and her brother made themselves ready- as ready as they could in the best of their old-fashioned garments, which had hung on pegs, or had been laid away in trunks, so long that the dampness and mouldy smell of the past was on them- made themselves ready in their faded bettermost, to go to church. They descended the staircase together...pulled open the front door, and stepped across the threshold, and felt, both of them, as if they were standing in the presence of the whole