Symbolism In The Color Purple

Captivating a reader is the apparent goal of a writer. But this is also a chance for the writer to express his or her opinion, view, thoughts and idea. Whether past writers such as Shakespeare or Blake or present writers such as Beckett or Walker; the reader will discover that authors may use the vivid dialogue of drama, symbolism in narration or rhythm and rhyme of poetry to capture the reader’s attention in showing the struggles that the character/author has with society in which he or she lives. This can be seen in works such as Shakespeare’s dramatic tragedy Othello, Whitman’s and Blake’s poetry, or Walker’s narrative in The Color Purple; where each author is free to express they view point through their chosen medium developing their

Franz Kafka’s bizarre tale of Gregor Samsa transformation into an insect in the story Metamorphosis paints a vivid picture that symbolizes how much value society places on a person ability to work. “We businesspeople often find ourselves in a position of having to set aside minor ailment, in the greater interest of our work” (Kafka), stated the Chief Clerk to Gregor’s parents. In which Gregor’s inability to work to provide for his family therefore placing a strain on his family leads to a very frustrated response, “we have to try to get rid of it. We did as much as humanly possible to try and look after it and tolerate it” (Kafka) Grete his sister states. Her statement is bold and refrains from even acknowledging that Gregor is human. Likewise, Herman Melville’s Bartleby is also a symbol of how unimportant an individual is that does not work. Bartleby is that symbol that represents all those that refuse to work. “What earthly right have you to stay here? Do you pay any rent? Do you pay my taxes? Or is this property yours?” (Melville), says the lawyer. Blatantly making it clear that the fact that Bartleby does not work and therefore has no value. Symbolism is even used to add depth to a story as in the book The Color Purple. Alice Walker achieves this with her book The Color Purple, a book that use purple as symbol for unknown

Shakespeare’s gifted ability to write drama shows that the back and forth between characters paints a vivid picture of racial inequality. Which is seen in the tragic drama Othello, unique perspective allows the reader to not only hears the dialogue of Othello and Iago, but the reader sees how they respond to racial remarks or sees the subtle sabotage by Iago to destroy Othello. Even in poetry authors are able to voice social issues such as the mistreatment of children. William Blake’s poems of classical rhyme and rhythm gave voice to thousands of abused children. Yet poetry is not limited to classical format but is extremely flexible allowing authors an unlimited tapestry of choices to bring to light issues of society. As seen in the intelligence of Emily Dickinson’s poems, where she voiced her disgust with the social games of high society that sheltered and hindered women to such indignity and fruitless lives. Women of past centuries were hindered and unable to voice their desires and thoughts, but the handiness of narration and pseudonym allowed Charlotte and Emily Bronte the ability to begin the fight for equality of women. With her identity protected Emily Bronte narration allowed her the freedom to be heard and taken seriously, which was the platform she needed to show the dominate male world that women are very capable and