Stories aren’t just about what happens; they’re also about things. Not just characters and feelings, but actual, physical objects. In literature, an object isn’t just a prop; it’s a powerful literary device used to represent deeper meanings, themes, and character development. Understanding how objects function can unlock a whole new level of appreciation for the stories we read and the narratives we create. Let’s dive into the world of objects in literature.
What is an Object in Literature?
Simply put, an object in literature is any tangible thing—a physical item, that holds significance beyond its literal function. It’s not merely there to fill space. Authors strategically use objects to symbolize ideas, reveal character traits, foreshadow events, or contribute to the overall theme of a work. The object can be a crucial part of the plot or a subtle yet potent symbol.
Basic Definition and Examples
An object can be anything from a simple stone to a complex machine. The key is its symbolic weight. Here are a few quick examples:
- A broken mirror: Might symbolize a fractured identity or a distorted perception of reality.
- A wilting flower: Often represents the fleeting nature of beauty, love, or life.
- A locked box: Could signify secrets, hidden truths, or repressed memories.
These are starting points, of course. The specific meaning of an object will always depend on the context of the story.
How Objects Function in Literature
Objects aren’t just decorative elements. They actively do things within a narrative. Here’s a breakdown of the most common functions:
Symbolism
This is arguably the most important function. Objects can stand for abstract concepts. Think of it as a visual shortcut to a bigger idea.
- The Green Light in The Great Gatsby: This is a classic example. The green light at the end of Daisy Buchanan’s dock represents Gatsby’s unattainable dream, his longing for the past, and the illusory nature of the American Dream. It’s not just a light; it’s a symbol of hope, desire, and ultimately, disappointment.
- The Conch Shell in Lord of the Flies: Initially representing order, civilization, and democratic principles, the conch shell’s destruction symbolizes the boys’ descent into savagery and the breakdown of social structure.
- The Scarlet Letter in The Scarlet Letter: While literally a piece of cloth signifying Hester Prynne’s adultery, the scarlet letter evolves into a symbol of shame, sin, identity, and ultimately, strength and acceptance.
Character Development
An object can reveal aspects of a character’s personality, backstory, or emotional state. A character’s relationship with an object can tell us a lot about who they are.
- Madame Defarge’s knitting in Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities: Each stitch records the names of those she intends to see executed during the French Revolution, revealing her relentless pursuit of vengeance and her unwavering commitment to her cause.
- Sherlock Holmes’s violin in A Study in Scarlet: Holmes playing the violin isn’t simply a character quirk. It reveals his need for mental stimulation, his disciplined nature, and his ability to focus intensely, all traits crucial to his detective work.
- Santiago’s fishing rod in Ernest Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea: The worn and weathered rod represents Santiago’s dedication to his craft, his past successes, and the enduring spirit of a skilled fisherman even in the face of hardship.
Foreshadowing
An object can hint at future events or create a sense of unease. Authors often use objects as subtle clues to what’s to come.
- The raven in Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Raven” : The ominous presence of the raven immediately foreshadows the narrator’s descent into despair and madness, its repeated “Nevermore” reinforcing the theme of irreversible loss.
- The storm in Shakespeare’s Macbeth : The violent storm that rages throughout the play mirrors the turmoil and chaos within Macbeth’s mind and foreshadows the violence and destruction to come.
- The broken clock in Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre : The repeatedly broken clock at Thornfield Hall subtly foreshadows the disruption of time and the eventual unraveling of the lives of those within.
Thematic Reinforcement
Objects can help reinforce the central themes of a story. They can act as recurring motifs, drawing attention to key ideas and concepts.
- The sea in Herman Melville’s Moby Dick : The vast and unpredictable sea serves as a constant reminder of the power of nature, the limitations of human ambition, and the eternal struggle between man and the unknown.
- The portrait in Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray : The portrait reflects Dorian’s moral decay and the consequences of vanity, serving as a reminder of the hidden self.
- The chains in Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol : The chains that bind Marley’s ghost and symbolize the burden of past sins reinforce the story’s theme of redemption and the importance of breaking free from the weight of one’s mistakes.
Identifying and Analyzing Objects
So how do you, as a reader (or writer), identify and analyze objects in literature? Here’s a simple process:
- Notice Recurring Items: Pay attention to objects that appear repeatedly throughout a story.
- Consider Context: How is the object described? What situations is it associated with?
- Look for Symbolic Connections: What abstract ideas or concepts might the object represent?
- Trace its Evolution: Does the object change in meaning or significance as the story progresses?
- Connect to Theme: How does the object contribute to the overall themes of the work?
The Power of the Seemingly Small
Remember, the most powerful objects aren’t always grand or elaborate. A simple pebble, a faded photograph, a worn-out shoe—these seemingly insignificant items can hold immense symbolic weight. The key is to look beyond the surface and consider the deeper meaning that the author has imbued within them. By paying attention to objects, you can unlock a richer, more nuanced understanding of the stories you read and the art of storytelling itself.
Objects aren’t just props; they’re integral parts of the narrative tapestry, weaving meaning and emotion into the very fabric of the story.