LANGUAGE IN INDIA

Strength for Today and Bright Hope for Tomorrow

Volume 15:5 May 2015
ISSN 1930-2940

Managing Editor: M. S. Thirumalai, Ph.D.
Editors: B. Mallikarjun, Ph.D.
         Sam Mohanlal, Ph.D.
         B. A. Sharada, Ph.D.
         A. R. Fatihi, Ph.D.
         Lakhan Gusain, Ph.D.
         Jennifer Marie Bayer, Ph.D.
         S. M. Ravichandran, Ph.D.
         G. Baskaran, Ph.D.
         L. Ramamoorthy, Ph.D.
         C. Subburaman, Ph.D. (Economics)
         N. Nadaraja Pillai, Ph.D.
Assistant Managing Editor: Swarna Thirumalai, M.A.

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The Two Elements of Nature (Water and Fire) Used as a Symbol by Charles Dickens in Great Expectations

Dr. M. Manopriya


Abstract

According to Northrop Frye, a symbol is any unit of any work of literature which can be isolated for critical attention. The meaning, the structure, the setting of the novel and the insight into the psyche of the characters involved can be apprehended by the exploration of the imagery. An image, a symbol or a cluster of images occur in the artistic creation to give a suitable backdrop to the story. An image or a symbol can act as a monad, when it is taken out and treated as the archetype, in comparison with other similar images or symbols occurring in other literature. In the novel Great Expectations, Dickens makes use of the various symbolical meanings for water and fire according to the situation. Starting with Pip, Miss. Havisham and Magwich, most of the characters are affected by water and fire. This paper discusses the events in the novel and brings out the deeper meanings involved in the symbolism. This paper attempts to compare and bring in various examples of symbolism in other literature, as well as explaining the significance of water and fire as the major symbols here in this novel.

Key words: Symbol, Image, Artistic creation, Water and fire, Symbolism

Mrs. Joe’s Demise and the Symbol of Water

Pip, the protagonist, depressed because of his sister Mrs. Joe’s demise, is in need of consolation. In order to get consolation from his dead parents and brothers, namely, Alexander, Bartholomew, Abraham, Tobias and Roger he goes to the graveyard; and from there he looks at the river and he says, ‘the low leaden line beyond was the river’ (2).

Water here stands as a symbol for the collective unconscious. The river is seen from afar, a slight leaden line. The presence is not felt, but the assurance of a body of water is there. Here the river water stands for the collective consciousness of Pip. Pip who stands alienated, literally and figuratively from his family and will in the end get support from Magwitch, the escaped convict, who comes by way of the river, later on in the novel.

Fire Symbolism

Pip stands in great awe of his sister, but Joe his uncle, in contrast, provides love and affection for Pip which he badly needs as a child. Joe’s forge serves as a place of warmth and comfort for Pip. Man in his present state cannot live in fire, but, as with water, there is a fire of life and a fire of death. The fire of life burns without burning up: there is light and heat but no pain or destruction. This fire of life is found in the forge of Mr. Joe Gargery. Similarly, Miss Temple in Jane Eyre is the only soul who could understand Helen’s genuine character. The fire in Miss Temple’s room gives much warmth to Helen Burns and Jane.

This is only the beginning part of the article. PLEASE CLICK HERE TO READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE IN PRINTER-FRIENDLY VERSION.

Dr. M. Manopriya
Assistant Professor
Department of English (SF)
Vellalar College for Women
Erode - 638012
Tamilnadu
India
manopriyao@gmail.com
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