Eng 125 Introduction to Literature
Amy Whitaker
ENG 125 Introduction to Literature
Symbolism to Convey Meaning
The way a reader analyzes a story is a direct result of the experiences that he or she has had, as well as, his or her environment (Clugston, 2010). That is important to remember because each reader will see any given story in a different way. Even though views are differing it does not make one view right and the other wrong. It is just based upon where the reader is at this point in his or her life. In the short story “Used to Live Here Once” by Jean Rhys and the poem “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost there are many ways in which the reader may interpret what he or she has read. If the reader chooses to learn more about the author; the true meaning that the author is intending to convey may be revealed. Learning about the reader allows for the reader to get a sense of the writing style of the author. Furthermore, if the Author has had similar experiences in his or her life, it may show the inspiration behind the piece. The form the author has chosen may also reflect what is attempting to be portrayed in the story. “The Road Not Taken” and “Used to Live Here Once” are both stories of a journey. However, the stories actually go deeper then what the reader may originally see. Both Robert Frost and Jean Rhys use symbolism in order to convey a deeper meaning into the story. In “The Road Not Taken” the deeper meaning is the importance of choosing the right path. “Used to Live Here Once” on the other hand, has a deeper meaning of looking back on life after death. The symbolisms used in these stories gives clues into the meaning behind the journey and clues of the author’s life as well. Jean Rhys writes “Used to Live Here Once” in the form of a short story. A short story is generally in the form of several different paragraphs. It is structured using proper punctuation and grammar. The short story “usually consists of between 500 and 10,000 words which typically set up and resolve a
ENG 125 Introduction to Literature
Symbolism to Convey Meaning
The way a reader analyzes a story is a direct result of the experiences that he or she has had, as well as, his or her environment (Clugston, 2010). That is important to remember because each reader will see any given story in a different way. Even though views are differing it does not make one view right and the other wrong. It is just based upon where the reader is at this point in his or her life. In the short story “Used to Live Here Once” by Jean Rhys and the poem “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost there are many ways in which the reader may interpret what he or she has read. If the reader chooses to learn more about the author; the true meaning that the author is intending to convey may be revealed. Learning about the reader allows for the reader to get a sense of the writing style of the author. Furthermore, if the Author has had similar experiences in his or her life, it may show the inspiration behind the piece. The form the author has chosen may also reflect what is attempting to be portrayed in the story. “The Road Not Taken” and “Used to Live Here Once” are both stories of a journey. However, the stories actually go deeper then what the reader may originally see. Both Robert Frost and Jean Rhys use symbolism in order to convey a deeper meaning into the story. In “The Road Not Taken” the deeper meaning is the importance of choosing the right path. “Used to Live Here Once” on the other hand, has a deeper meaning of looking back on life after death. The symbolisms used in these stories gives clues into the meaning behind the journey and clues of the author’s life as well. Jean Rhys writes “Used to Live Here Once” in the form of a short story. A short story is generally in the form of several different paragraphs. It is structured using proper punctuation and grammar. The short story “usually consists of between 500 and 10,000 words which typically set up and resolve a
References: Anonymous. (2010). Short Story. Retrieved on 11/10/2011 Retrieved from http://www.credoreference.com/entry/heliconhe/short_story Brown, A. (2006). Ghost Hunters of the South. Jackson, MS, USA: University Press of Mississippi. Retrieved from http://site.ebrary.com/lib/ashford/Doc?id=10218403&ppg=22 Clugston, R. W. (2010). Journey into Literature. San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education, Inc. Ferlazzo, P. (2001). Robert Frost 1874-1963. Retrieved on 11/12/2011 Retrieved from http://www.credoreference.com/entry/routampoetry/robert_frost_1874_1963 Pettis, C. (2000). Crossing Over-A Modern Book of the Dead Retrieved on 11/13/2011 Retrieved From http://www.geo.org/cross.htm Nordgren, J. (2006). Rhys, Jean.Retrieved on 11/12/2011 Retrieved from http://www.credoreference.com/entry/britlit/rhys_jean Sinha, U. (2001). Rhys, Jean 1890-1979. Retrieved on 11/14/2011 Retrieved from http://www.credoreference.com/entry/routlifewrite/rhys_jean_1890_1979