Literary Analysis: Symbolism, Themes, and Human Nature in Classic Works

Animal Farm: Symbolism and Allegory Explained

George Orwell’s Animal Farm is a brilliant allegorical novella that uses animals on a farm to represent political figures and ideologies. It is rich with symbolism, serving as a powerful critique of totalitarianism, particularly Stalinist Russia. Orwell uses characters, events, and objects symbolically to mirror the events of the Russian Revolution of 1917 and its aftermath.

Allegorical Nature of Animal Farm

The entire book is an allegory — a story where characters and events stand for real people and historical events. Orwell chose a simple setting (a farm) to deliver a complex political commentary.

• The farm itself represents Russia (later the Soviet Union).

• The Rebellion symbolizes the Russian Revolution.

• The rise of Napoleon illustrates the emergence of Stalin’s dictatorship.

Symbolic Characters in Animal Farm

Key Symbolic Events

• The Rebellion – Represents the Russian Revolution of 1917.

• The Battle of the Cowshed – Symbolizes the Russian Civil War.

• The Windmill Project – Represents Stalin’s Five-Year Plans and industrialization.

• Boxer’s death – Reflects how totalitarian regimes betray their most loyal workers.

• The final scene (pigs and humans together) – Shows how the leaders become indistinguishable from the tyrants they replaced.

Symbolic Statements & Commandment Changes

• “All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others” – A satirical take on how equality is manipulated in totalitarian regimes.

• The Seven Commandments – They are gradually altered, showing how those in power change rules to suit their needs.

• Milk and Apples for the pigs – A symbol of privilege and corruption.

Broader Thematic Symbolism

• Corruption of Power – Orwell shows how absolute power corrupts absolutely.

• Betrayal of Ideals – The original ideals of the rebellion are completely destroyed.

• Propaganda and Control – Language is used as a tool for manipulation.

• Ignorance of the Masses – Most animals don’t question the leadership, symbolizing blind loyalty and lack of critical thinking in society.

Conclusion: Animal Farm’s Enduring Message

Animal Farm is a masterclass in political symbolism. Orwell turns a story about animals into a profound commentary on the dangers of dictatorship, the corruption of socialist ideals, and the power of propaganda. The symbolic richness of the novella helps readers of all ages understand the universal truths about politics, society, and human nature.

The Doll’s House: Social Class & Empathy Themes

Katherine Mansfield’s short story “The Doll’s House” is a powerful narrative that explores themes of social class discrimination, childhood innocence, and societal hypocrisy. Set in New Zealand, the story uses the seemingly simple event of children receiving a doll’s house to expose the rigid and unfair class structure of society. The central theme revolves around social inequality and the cruelty it fosters, especially among children who imitate adult prejudices.

Theme of Social Class Discrimination

The story illustrates how society is divided based on wealth and status. The Burnell children, belonging to a wealthy family, are admired and respected. In contrast, the Kelvey sisters, daughters of a washerwoman and an absent (possibly criminal) father, are treated with contempt and exclusion.

• They are not invited to see the doll’s house because of their low social standing.

• Other children are taught to look down on them, not because of who they are, but because of where they come from.

This reflects how deep-rooted classism controls behavior, even in innocent settings like a school playground.

Innocence vs. Prejudice

The story contrasts the innocence of children with the prejudice learned from adults.

• Most children follow the norms of exclusion.

• However, Kezia, the youngest Burnell, shows moral courage and empathy by inviting the Kelveys to see the doll’s house.

Kezia’s act of kindness stands out as a symbol of hope and resistance against unjust societal norms. It suggests that change is possible when individuals think independently.

The Doll’s House as a Symbol

The doll’s house itself symbolizes wealth, privilege, and exclusion.

• It is described in great detail, representing the luxury of the Burnell family.

• Yet, only select children are allowed to see it, reinforcing the theme of exclusivity based on class.

However, the lamp in the doll’s house, small and simple yet beautiful, becomes a symbol of warmth and humanity, especially for Else Kelvey, who smiles quietly after seeing it. This moment shows that even the poor find joy in small moments of dignity.

Hypocrisy of Society

Mansfield criticizes the hypocrisy of social manners, especially among adults who preach kindness but enforce class divisions.

• Parents, like Mrs. Burnell, teach their children not to associate with the Kelveys.

• Teachers and neighbors do nothing to address this inequality.

• This hypocrisy filters down to children, who mirror the same cruelty.

Theme of Human Dignity

Despite the humiliation, the Kelvey sisters maintain their dignity.

• They do not respond to insults.

• Else’s quiet joy after seeing the lamp shows that human dignity and happiness are not confined to the rich.

Conclusion: The Doll’s House Message

The central theme of “The Doll’s House” is a critique of class-consciousness and social prejudice. Mansfield uses the innocence of childhood to reflect how deeply entrenched societal divisions are, and how genuine empathy, like Kezia’s act, can challenge and transcend them. The story encourages readers to question social norms and embrace values of equality, kindness, and humanity.

Robert Lynd’s Defense of Forgetfulness

In his humorous and reflective essay “Forgetting,” Robert Lynd presents a light-hearted defense of forgetfulness. Rather than condemning forgetfulness as a flaw, he suggests that forgetting is a natural, even necessary, part of human life. With wit and wisdom, Lynd explores why people forget trivial things and why it’s not necessarily a bad thing.

Forgetfulness: Human and Harmless

Robert Lynd begins by noting how people often forget small everyday things—like umbrellas, walking sticks, or books—and how society quickly criticizes such forgetfulness.
However, he argues that:

• Forgetting trivial things is natural because the human mind is not meant to store everything.

• People remember what truly matters to them.

• Forgetting minor objects or tasks does not make someone unintelligent.

He uses the example of absent-minded professors or great thinkers who forget everyday items because their minds are busy with higher thoughts.

Memory: Selective and Purposeful

Lynd defends forgetfulness by pointing out that:

• The human brain retains essential information and discards the unimportant.

• For example, a man may forget his overcoat at a café, but remember his duty to his family or job responsibilities.

• This shows that the mind has a hierarchy, and forgetfulness is a way of managing mental space efficiently.

He even suggests that if we remembered everything—every face, number, or moment—we would go mad from overload.

A Humorous Take on Human Nature

Lynd adds humor by describing how common forgetfulness is:

• Golfers forget their golf balls.

• Readers forget to return library books.

• Even soldiers and sportsmen sometimes forget important tools or equipment.

This light-hearted view shows that forgetfulness is not a serious flaw, but simply a quirk of human nature.

Defense Against Harsh Judgment

Lynd criticizes how society harshly judges forgetful people, especially when it comes to small mistakes.

• He argues that being forgetful does not make someone careless or irresponsible.

• Instead, such people are often deep thinkers, dreamers, or imaginative souls.

By turning the focus from criticism to understanding, Lynd promotes compassion toward forgetful individuals.

Irony and Contrast in Lynd’s Essay

Lynd skillfully uses irony to support his defense:

• He points out that those who never forget anything are often not doing anything important, while forgetful people are often busy with valuable, meaningful work.

• He contrasts the forgetful genius with the meticulously organized but dull person, suggesting that a little forgetfulness may be a sign of intelligence and creativity.

Conclusion: Lynd’s Insight on Forgetting

Robert Lynd’s essay is not just a defense of forgetfulness, but a celebration of the human mind’s ability to prioritize and focus. Through humor, irony, and insight, Lynd reminds us that forgetting is a part of thinking, and not all forgetfulness is foolish. In fact, he suggests that being forgetful may be a sign of a thoughtful, imaginative, and deeply engaged mind.

The Gift of the Magi: Sacrificial Love Theme

O. Henry’s short story “The Gift of the Magi” is a timeless tale centered on the powerful theme of sacrificial love. The story depicts a young married couple, Jim and Della, who are deeply in love but very poor. Despite their financial struggles, both willingly sacrifice their most prized possessions to buy Christmas gifts for each other. Their actions highlight the essence of true love, selflessness, and personal sacrifice, which forms the heart of the story.

Concept of Sacrificial Love

Sacrificial love means putting someone else’s happiness above your own, often at a personal cost. In the story:

• Della sells her long, beautiful hair—her most treasured possession—to buy a platinum fob chain for Jim’s prized gold watch.

• Meanwhile, Jim sells his gold watch—his most valuable item—to buy a set of expensive combs for Della’s hair.

Both make huge sacrifices out of pure love, without expecting anything in return.

Irony Highlighting the Theme

The story uses situational irony—a literary device where the outcome is different from what is expected.

• Readers expect their sacrifices to lead to perfect gift-giving.

• However, since Jim no longer has the watch, and Della no longer has her long hair, their gifts become practically useless.

Yet, this twist strengthens the theme. Their gifts are useless in material terms, but priceless as expressions of love and devotion.

Love Over Materialism

The story emphasizes that true love is not measured by material possessions, but by the willingness to give and sacrifice for one another.

• In a world often focused on wealth and material gifts, Jim and Della’s actions show that the greatest gift is love itself.

• Their actions echo the Christian values of humility and self-giving, similar to the biblical Magi, the wise men who gave meaningful gifts to baby Jesus.

O. Henry draws a parallel by stating that Jim and Della are the real Magi, for their love was full of wisdom and sacrifice.

Symbolism of the Gifts

• The watch chain and the combs symbolize love, thoughtfulness, and personal value.

• Although they cannot be used, they represent sincere sacrifice.

• The story teaches that intention and emotion behind a gift matter more than the gift itself.

Message of Unselfish Love

At the core, the story teaches that love is most powerful when it is selfless.

• Della does not hesitate to cut her hair.

• Jim calmly smiles, hiding his shock, when he sees Della’s hair, showing mature emotional strength.

This unselfish love makes the story deeply touching and universally relatable.

Conclusion: The Magi’s Enduring Lesson

The theme of sacrificial love in “The Gift of the Magi” illustrates the idea that the greatest treasures in life are not material possessions but the acts of love and sacrifice we make for those we care about. O. Henry beautifully conveys that love grows stronger through selflessness and devotion, and this makes Jim and Della’s story eternally meaningful.

Their sacrifices, though materially unproductive, reflect the deepest and truest form of love—making them the real wise ones, the true Magi.