Symbols
A symbol is literary device that contains several layers of meaning, often concealed at first sight, and is representative of several other aspects, concepts or traits than those that are visible in the literal translation alone. Symbol is using an object or action that means something more than its literal sense.
Pygmalion Example: Firstly, clothing is used as a symbol of wealth and class. One of the main aspects of Eliza’s transformation is changing her physical appearance so she appears more aristocratic. One way Higgins does this is by dressing her in better clothing. It can be said, then, that the clothing a person wears is a symbol for how well off they are and consequently how good their social standing is. Also, more specifically, the ring Higgins gives Eliza is a symbol for Higgins affection (romantic, platonic, whatever it is) for her. We don’t hear anything about the ring until act four when Eliza takes it and gives it back to Higgins to hurt him. It does according to Higgins, in fact he states it wounds him to the heart. This is evidence that the ring was more than jewelry to him, and the fact that Eliza goes digging for it in the fireplace after he throws it back at her is evidence that it was more than just jewelry to her as well. |