Symbolism of the Journey

Symbolism of the Journey

Introduction

“A journey is a person in itself; no two are alike.

And all plans, safeguards, policing, and coercion are fruitless.

We find that after years of struggle that we do not take a trip; a trip takes us”

(John Steinbeck)

Journey is a very simple word and sometimes seems very interesting when it is associated with enjoyment and adventure (Lentriccia, 1975), but in reality there are always a number of different perceptions associated with this word. It has its association with life or a beautiful journey that also allow a person to enjoy the beauty of nature. In any case, there is a sense of continuation with it, and a hope to reach the destination. No matter how long it takes and no matter how tiring or refreshing it is, there is always an end to it. In literature, journey is also used as an interesting theme or symbol, due to the depth associated with the word. This is very clear from the comparison and contrast of two texts in which this symbol of the journey is used but in different ways. In the two literary works; “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost (1916) and “I Used to Live Here Once” by Jean Rhys (1976) the same theme is shared, which is “symbolism of the journey”. The main reason for selecting these works is that, both these literary works belonging to different genres are focused on the same theme. This will assist in better understanding of conveying same theme through different ways, different genres, and different genders.

Thesis Statement

Compassion and contrast of content, style, and form of “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost (1916) and “I Used to Live Here Once” by Jean Rhys (1976) provides that both authors used the same symbol of the journey with many differences and similarities in their content, style, and form.

Discussion

In both these texts, there is one striking difference, which is use of different literary genre. Poem contains very rich and complex pattern with rhythm and more depth in it. As compare to this, story is very simple, and its narrative style is more appealing to connect the reader with the text and life of characters (Flood, et. al , 2002). Stories are easy to understand, but stories do not have a deep impact, especially short stories. The main reason for this less impact is mainly because it not easy to compile all the ideas and thoughts in fewer words with maximum effect. Both genres have a different impact on the readers, and it also affects the way, a theme or symbol presented in the text. These differences of the genre are reflected in the content, style, and form used to reflect the theme or symbol in a text. There are various similarities between the poem and short stories. One of the major similarities is that both are in short and condensed form. According to Brewer (2008) there are various similarities between a short story and a ...