Power of Symbolism Explored in Research Proposal

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The almanac symbolizes the passing of time or life. As a result, it cannot help but point to death and bring forth tears. We see this alluded to with the child's drawing, as the man wears "tear like buttons" (29), symbolizing all that has passed. The almanac is crying but those tears are also nourishing in that they are preparing the child for the next phase in her life. The recurring tears point to the fact that death is not far for the grandmother. Here we see death hiding about in almost every aspect of the daily activities of life, reminding us that it is always around the corner.

In "A Certain Lady," Dorothy Parker utilizes symbolism to make an ironic point. The symbols in this poem point to the traditional ones we associate with love and lovers. The poet tells her lover that she will "drink your rushing words with eager lips" (parker 2) and she will "laugh and marvel, rapturous-eyed" (6). These symbol seem to indicate an eagerness for this lover. The metaphor of the "thousand little deaths my heart has died" (8) is very telling, indicating how many times her lover has hurt her. The poet's tales of his lover's are "fresh adventurings" (14) for which she is to enjoy and she does not disappoint.

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These women and the "lingering hands, and gently whispered things" (16) are symbols of the time in which Parker lived. The twenties were notorious for greed and self -- indulgence. The poet's kiss as her lover goes blithely on is a symbol of those times as well, as she knows the truth of what goes on behind closed doors. Here we see the double meaning the poet intends with these symbols as they help her make her point at the end of the poem.

Symbolism is a powerful technique because it allows readers to pull more from the poem that what the words say. Symbolism gives us background, history, flavor, and hints of what else is going on in the poet's minds. "Daddy,' "Sestina," and "A Certain Lady" demonstrate how symbolism gives us more of the picture. Without symbols, these poems would be boring and almost meaningless to readers. Plath's poem would not be nearly as explosive without symbolism. Similarly, Bishop's poem would be lacking anything moving without symbols. Parker's poem would lack it's final punch without symbolism. Symbols speak when words may be too much or too little. Life is full of symbols and symbolism and these poems illustrate the power even the smallest symbols carry.

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