Symbols In The Glass Rose
“If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change” (Wayne Dyer). The short story, “The Glass Rose” by Alden Nowlan, unquestionably exhibits these ideas of perception and influence through the protagonist, Stephen, and his interactions with his father and a foreigner. The relationships and conversations Stephen has with the other characters shifts his perception of those around him, as well as himself. Nowlan suggests that outside influences can manipulate an individual's perception of themselves and others.
Throughout the entire story, Stephen’s perception of himself sways depending on who he interacts with. Stephen is notably smaller in comparison to the other men at the Pulp Woods. In the beginning, he perceives himself …show more content…
Stephen is convinced that his father’s opinion is the correct opinion. That being that all foreigners are incompetent. Leka tells Stephen stories of his homeland and Stephen finds them fascinating. In the back of Stephen's mind, he knows that his father would disapprove because stories are for children. Therefore, Stephen tries to convince himself Leka is acting as a wall between who Stephen in now and his greatest potential. While Stephen works with the Polack, he identifies him as a respectful man. Thus, bringing Stephen to the point where he admits to Leka they are friends, but knowingly believes “he [has] been guilty of a babyish weakness”. Stephen's father does not appreciate how much time he is spending with the Polack. His father openly shares his opinion and believes Stephen is “gettin’ awfully chummy with [the] Polack”. He tells Stephen “some of the men’s laughin’ about him pattin’ and pokin’ you.” Under the impression that Leka is a homosexual due to all the physical contact Leka makes when in a conversation. Stephen replies admitting they are not friends, but is “not sure whether or not he is lying”. Stephen is at odds with himself and is not positive how to feel about Leka. In reality, he does enjoy Leka’s company, but does not wish to by cause of his father's
Throughout the entire story, Stephen’s perception of himself sways depending on who he interacts with. Stephen is notably smaller in comparison to the other men at the Pulp Woods. In the beginning, he perceives himself …show more content…
Stephen is convinced that his father’s opinion is the correct opinion. That being that all foreigners are incompetent. Leka tells Stephen stories of his homeland and Stephen finds them fascinating. In the back of Stephen's mind, he knows that his father would disapprove because stories are for children. Therefore, Stephen tries to convince himself Leka is acting as a wall between who Stephen in now and his greatest potential. While Stephen works with the Polack, he identifies him as a respectful man. Thus, bringing Stephen to the point where he admits to Leka they are friends, but knowingly believes “he [has] been guilty of a babyish weakness”. Stephen's father does not appreciate how much time he is spending with the Polack. His father openly shares his opinion and believes Stephen is “gettin’ awfully chummy with [the] Polack”. He tells Stephen “some of the men’s laughin’ about him pattin’ and pokin’ you.” Under the impression that Leka is a homosexual due to all the physical contact Leka makes when in a conversation. Stephen replies admitting they are not friends, but is “not sure whether or not he is lying”. Stephen is at odds with himself and is not positive how to feel about Leka. In reality, he does enjoy Leka’s company, but does not wish to by cause of his father's