A Comparision of the Use of Symbolism

Symbolism could be defined as the use of ‘indirect’ expression; a situation where the reader comes to recognize that what the writer is presenting and describing is not after all what he is chiefly concerned with, but that there is a hidden or deeper meaning. Gabriel Garcia Marquez in “Chronicle of a Death foretold,” employs a journalistic and factual style of writing. The novels main ‘purpose’ is clarifying the events surrounding Santiago Nasar’s death, and thus symbols in the novel are not recurrent and predominant. When used though, they are quite intense and effective. Chekhov’s “A Selection of Short Stories” consist of stories with a simple plot, with a greater emphasis on vivid, descriptive writing Various stylistic devices are used to great effect, among them symbolism is quite prevalent. The stories I shall deal with are “Grief,” “At Sea,” “He Understood,” and “Agafya”. This essay attempts to show the symbolism employed by Garcia and Marquez, and to recognize their deeper, intended meaning.

Undoubtedly Chekhov intends to criticize the hunting of defenseless animals for sport, which is indeed the main theme of the story.

The food Savka and his friend eat assumes a symbolic value. It identifies the wealth, social status and class affiliation of the characters. We can thus infer that Savka is a common man, indeed a peasant. The food he eats is thus appropriate to that which we would identify with members of the lower class. Moreover, the fact that him and his friend are satisfied and enjoy such simple food shows that they are comfortable with their position in society. Throughout the story, Savka makes no indication that he is unhappy with the state of his life.

Angela Vicario notes the bishop as “a man who cut off only the combs for the soup and threw the rest of the rooster into the garbage.”

Violence, also a recurrent theme in “Chronicle of a Death Foretold” is also depicted in some instances through the use of symbols. Victoria Guzman while disemboweling rabbits, throws “the steaming guts to the dogs.” Not only is this a premonition to Santiago’s fate – when dead, the dogs also try to eat his guts – but the act also symbolizes the brutality and insensitivity prevalent in the town, especially in those who dislike Santiago, such as Victoria Guzman.

The subtle criticism of the church is also extended, with reference to its representative (and thus its symbol), the bishop, for whom:

Some topics in this essay:
Victoria Guzman, Santiago Nasar, Chekhov’s Story, Jesus Marquez, Angela Vicario, Short Stories”, Garcia Marquez, Undoubtedly Chekhov, Stories” Symbolism, Death Foretold”, victoria guzman, “chronicle death, “chronicle death foretold”, death foretold”, santiago nasar, garcia marquez, “a selection short, marquez “chronicle death, selection short, short stories”, “at sea”, whirling clouds, chekhov’s story, selection short stories”, journalistic factual style,