Symbolism in All The Kings Men
Symbolism is defined as something that is itself and also stands for something else. “In a literary sense a symbol combines a literal and sensuous quality with an abstract or suggestive aspect…Literary symbols are of two broad types: One includes those embodying universal suggestions of meaning, as flowing water suggests time and eternity, a voyage suggests life. Such symbols are used widely (and sometimes unconsciously) in literature.” (www.Theology.com/symbolism) Symbolism is widely employed in some literary works, where it plays an important role. Besides, it has a long tradition in English literature. In the case of symbolism, we can get different meanings from different perspectives. It can be referred to the representation of things by use of symbols, especially in fine art or literature; it can be defined as a system of symbols or representations. Warren uses symbolism in All The Kings Men by comparing his story to that of a classical tragedy. A tragedy, by definition, is an action that stimulates the emotions of pity and fear in a form in which the action is single and complete. A tragedy also represents a reversal of fortune, such as the one seen in Romeo and Juliet. In tragedies a chorus is someone or
something that symbolizes the common people. It is through this symbolic figure that we see the story unfold. The Chorus in All The Kings Men is Jack Burden. Jack is the link between the reader and story; he is whom we see the story through. Jack’s negligence in his belief that no one should be held accountable for his or her actions is a bit absurd. He believes that because of predestination, we have no power to stop what happens to us. It is when Jack realizes that he was involved in “the conspiracy with Anne Stanton, which had committed Willie Stark and Adam Stanton to each other and to their death” (Warren, 417.) That Jack finally holds himself accountable. Jack’s decision not to avenge the death of Adam helps him redeem his stature. Jack is also a pest to other characters because of his constant prying into other peoples business, but in a sense this is necessary to have him be the chorus. The reversal of fortunes is usually brought upon the hero by his “tragic flaw”. Willie’s flaws catch up to him when Adam Stanton assassinates him. Willie, like most people in high-powered positions, believes that he is above people and especially above the law. His death wa
Some topics in this essay:
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Willie Stark,
Adam Stanton,
George Washington,
Stark Dirt's,
Burden Jack,
Stark Stark,
Romeo Juliet,
Kings Warren,
willie stark,
tragic hero,
Warren Dirt,
adam stanton,
stark politician,
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Approximate Word count = 806
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)
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