Literary techniques have been thoroughly used in the novels as the authors seek to engage with the imaginative abilities of the reader. The two authors have almost similar use of literary techniques as the two narrations carry the same significance in terms of indulging the audience to relate to a particular factor of event in the literature pieces. Additionally, the two novels use direct stories but with deeper significant meaning which needs the indulgence of comparisons in real life to understand the real intent by the authors. One significant literary technique used in the both novels is symbolism. Symbolism is a literary technique that uses an object, event of factor to represent an argument or belief. Symbolism is used by authors to indirectly address an issue without raising critics on their direct approach on sensitive issues. Symbolism in both novels commences with the titles of the novels. Both titles are representations of the plot device as symbolism in the literature pieces. The birth mark and the minster veil are object used to represent the issues the authors feel the need to address. Additionally, the authors effectively utilize the provisions of symbolism in their plots and character affiliations.
A plot device is referred to the use of one character or factor to revolve a literature piece. Plot devices are created with the aim of ensuring continuity of a story based on their high significance and influence given to them by authors. The use of plot devices in the two novels is significant in the novels as the authors use one character to base their plot. Apart from characters, the authors used symbols as their plot devices. The use of the birth mark and the veil are significant in the creation of the plots.
This paper will review the use of the literary technique of symbolism as used in both the novels. The review will include an analysis of the literature in both the novels and its significance in enhancing the plot intent by the authors. Additionally, the paper will analyze the differences in both novels in regards of the use of symbolisms by the two authors. The paper will also highlight the use of plot devices as a literary skills used by the authors. The significance and the influence of the plot device on the plot of the novels will also be analyzed.
The use of symbolism in “The Birth-Mark”
Hawthorne intentionally, creates the symbol of the birth mark o address the ills in society and the perception of the woman in society. In the novel, the author introduces the character of Aylmer a brilliant scientist who is obsessed by nothing but is work in science. However, he quits his job to marry a beautiful lady he had obsessed about for along period of time, Georgina (Hawthorne, 1846). Georgina is described as a beautiful woman who could capture the attention f any man she wanted. However, she had a major flow on her cheek. She had a huge birth mark in the shape of a hand. Prior to his marriage to Aylmer, the birth mark was viewed as a beauty spot as men imagined how they could get her attention (Hawthorne, 1846). Aftergetting married, Aylmer became angered by the presence of the birth mark on is wife. He started having dreams on how beautiful Georgina would look if she did not have the birth mark. He went further to perform experiments on her and the birth mark as this became his new interest. Georgina confronts him on realizing his intent and his perception of her. However, Georgina’s submissive nature made her agree to the idea of the birth mark being permanently removed. The procedure but she loses her life (Hawthorne, 1846).
In applying symbolism in this case, both the birth mark and the woman figure can be used as examples. The birth mark is used to depict the imperfection that humans do have. However, Hawthorne places the birth mark on a woman to depict weakness their inferior nature. Additionally, the birth mark became an issue after Georgina got married to Aylmer (Hawthorne, 1846). This symbolizes the nature of men of being superior figures and commanding towards their belongings. Additionally, it symbolizes the submissive nature of the woman. The birth mark on Georgina was a gift from god as it was in the shape of the hand of god(Hawthorne, 1846). The birth mark supported her life and its death meant she would loose her life too. Georgina did not have the courage to protect the beauty spot god had given to her and her submissive nature led to her death. This symbolizes the significance and character of women in society especially women with husbands. Women tend to be having respectful attitudes towards their husbands and sometimes lead to their demise. The death of Georgina symbolized the lack of appreciation of people in the society. People are normally judged and perceived depending on their weaknesses regardless of the sensitivity of the issue.
The aim of Hawthorne in using the birthmark as symbolism may be to put across his idea of criticizing the epoch of reform. Reforms may be dangerous if there is no logical intent of carrying out the reform. Additionally, Hawthorne uses symbolism to criticize the commanding nature of men in the relationship and disregard of the woman in society.
The use of symbolism in “The Minister's Black Veil”
The novel is based on a religious approach on social issues and ills. Hawthorne uses a pastor’s veil to symbolize power of religion or a deity. The story revolves around Reverend Hooper. Hooper was a normal reverend as he conducted services in normal attires which his congregation was used to. However, on this particular day Reverend Hooper appears wearing a black translucent veil that covered his entire body apart from his mouth and chin. This new look causes confusion among the congregation and the entire town as they wondered hat the veil signified or illustrated (Hawthorne, 1837). Apart from the introduction of the veil, Hawthorne created a new character of the Reverend once under the veil. He calls of his engagement to Elizabeth citing that he had had to carry out religious duties. As he delivered the sermon on that day, Hooper preached on people who hide their secret sin and were disturbed by his new look (Hawthorne, 1837). This made the congregation even more curious and disturbed on his new appearance. In a show of fear and wonder of the veil, no one gathers enough courage to ask Hooper directly on the significance of the veil and what it represented (Hawthorne, 1837).
In the novel, Hawthorne chooses a religious setting which symbolizes the significance of religion in society and the perception of religion by the people. Prior to the introduction of veil, religion was perceived with little regards and did not refer Hooper as serious clergyman.
Additionally, there is a contrary symbolism in the novel that signified the sinful nature of Reverend Cooper. The introduction of the veil coincided with the death of a young woman who is art of the congregation. During her burial, two congregation members saw a vision of the reverend walking hand in hand with the woman. This may symbolize the cause of her death which in this case may be Hooper. Additionally, Hawthorne may have hidden Hooper under a veil to hide his sinful nature.
Hawthorne uses the veil to symbolize the effect of change in society. In the novel, after Hooper adopted the veil he became a better clergyman as he attended to his congregation with more passion and clear intent (Hawthorne, 1837). Additionally, the introduction of the veil made people become closer and had an intense intent to receive the good news. His congregation became more respectful and more inclined to the church than before. This symbolizes the fact that people are afraid of change especially when they have an idea that the change may be harmful to them. The congregation felt more insecure with the Reverend’s new attire thus becoming more inclined to the church. Additionally, the veil changed the behavior of the Reverend as he also changed his mind on the marriage of Elizabeth. The symbolism of the veil was also directed to remind people of their sins, guilt, secrets and undeniable truths. However, contrary to Hooper’s intent, his congregation believes that the Reverend is keeping a secret from them (Hawthorne, 1837). The color of the veil, black creates an assumption of death among the congregation. Hawthorne also uses the veil to represent the respect of authority in people when they fear the power of the particular authority.
The use of the plot device in “The Birth-Mark”
In the novel, Hawthorne use two plot devices; the birthmark and the character of both Aylmer and Georgina. The birthmark is significant in the plot as it creates all the significant arguments in the novel as the author uses it to create perceptions of people on deformities. Minus the birthmark the plot would not have been created since there could not have been a factor that creates controversy. The characters of Georgina and Aylmer are also significant in the novel since also act as plot devices as the entire novel is based on their relationship and lives (Hawthorne, 1846).
The use of the plot device in “The Minister's Black Veil”
The main plot device in this literary piece is Reverend Hooper. As the Hawthorne introduces the character the main controversy in the novel is launched. Apart from the introduction bit, Reverend Hooper is the cause of confusion arguments in the novel as his character was specifically created to enhance the continuity of the plot.
References
Hawthorne, N. (1846). The birth mark. New York: Author
Hawthorne, N. (1837). The Minister's Black Veil. New York: Author
