Symbolism in "A Doll's House" and "Pygmalion"

Symbolism

A Doll’s House:

1) A Doll’s house- This title symbolizes Nora’s confinement within the lifestyle she lives. She is expected to live as a mindless object within the walls of her house, with no responsibilities aside from those expected of a wife. She plays with the children and thinks of money and clothing, at least that is the personality she exhibits.

2) macaroons- These cookies show her childish tendencies, such as sneaking unhealthy food. It also shows the side of her that she hides from her husband, or her concealed self.

3) Christmas tree- Another symbol of concealing in the book. Nora wants to hide the Christmas tree from her children, showing secrecy. She also does not want them to see it before it has been decorated, symbolizing the contrast between realistic and idealistic, which is a common theme throughout the novel. "Hide the Christmas Tree carefully, Helen. Be sure the children do not see it till this evening, when it is dressed." (3)

4) Bird, Squirrel- These nicknames are representative of Nora’s false self, or the image she portrays. She is shown as a mindless woman who innocently lives her life according to her husband and wastes her time on frivolous things.

5) Tarantella- This dance symbolizes Nora’s change from an innocent woman (the bird) to more of a devious character. It shows the transformation into her true self, which is not a transformation that her husband enjoys. She becomes more independent in thoughts and actions at this point and is attempting to conceal the fact that she went behind her husband’s back in order to get a loan. She is spinning a "web of lies".

6) the bond- The bond symbolizes the secrets Nora keeps from her husband, and is the basis for much of the conflict in the story. It is seen as a thing of evil, and seems to bring out the worst traits in each character, such as Nora’s lies, Torvald’s self-involvement (for he worries only about what it will do to his career), and Krogstad’s vengefulness.

7) the letter- The letter symbolizes Nora’s vulnerability and is a cause of panic toward the end of the play. Once it is discovered it will expose Nora’s deceit to her husband and put their family in jeopardy.

8) Doctor Rank- This character symbolizes fate in the play. He speaks frequently of the sickness in society and seems to have a pessimistic view of the world. He is dying and must meet the fate he has been dealt, since fate cannot be altered and only accepted.

9) Mrs. Linde- She shows contrast to Nora and represents the coming of age of women.

10) Money- Symbolizes the shallowness of this society, since much of the play revolves around it. Many of the characters lives seem to depend on money in order to fulfill their needs.

Pygmalion:

1) Pygmalion- This title symbolizes the difference between real and superficial human characteristics. Pygmalion was the man in Greek myth who created a statue of a woman who turned real. This play is the inverse of that story. It involves a real girl who is turned into a "statue" or an object created by Higgens.

2) taxi- The taxi shows the division between the upper and lower classes in this play. The mother and daughter are looking for a taxi in the beginning of the play and complain about being in the rain, while the poorer people must bear the rain. "But we must have a cab. We cant stand here until half-past eleven. It’s too bad." (3)

3) slippers-These symbolize Higgens’ feeling of possessiveness over Eliza and also Eliza’s internal strength. He demands that she fetch his slippers for him and she throws them at him, which eventually leads to her departure and decision that she will live without him, showing her integrity.

4) letters- Letters seem to symbolize devotion in this play. Freddy writes Eliza very frequently, which convinces her of his love for her.

5) money- Money is of great importance to each character throughout the play. It is what divides the classes and causes Eliza to want to change her appearance and speech. Much of the motivation behind the characters’ actions is driven by money.

6) flowers- Symbolize nature’s beauty and show how Eliza ends up flourishing and blooming like a flower. Flowers are shown in the beginning which can predict the changes she will go through, but they are also always constant in her life. She wants a job that involves flowers, and this does not change, just like her internal self does not change either.

7) handkerchief- The handkerchief symbolizes part of Eliza’s change from a flower girl to a proper woman. She is taught to use it from the beginning of her transformation, and it is her first step to becoming a duchess. "Remember: thats your handkerchief; and thats your sleeve. Don’t mistake the one for the other if you wish to become a lady in a shop." (20)

8) piano- A piano is a symbol of wealth in this book. The upper class people seem to all own pianos and are able to play them, showing their success and proper disposition.

9) Mr. Doolittle- This character is a symbol of non-conformity in the play. He is contrasted with Eliza, who manages to conform to the role in society that was made for her by Higgens. Mr. Doolittle was given a similar deal, where he was given money and a job, only he did not enjoy his new role in society and refused to change his own thoughts and feelings because of it. "Done to me! Ruined me. Destroyed my happiness. Tied me up and delivered me into the hands of middle class morality." (73)

10) chocolates- These are used to bribe Eliza into doing what they need her to, and symbolize the childish side of her personality.