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In literature, one can observe that inanimate objects often possess some meaning, which many times is not represented in a direct way, but to some extent it gives a glance on a certain topic, feeling, or struggle within the characters. Such objects as lockets that are artistically worn in order to enclose a tiny picture or some other object have excited the creativity of many novelists and poets. With its secret folds and personal meaning the locket becomes an emblem of ovarian conquest over time’s upholding forces, memory and the question of who we really are. This paper therefore seeks to analyze the different types of the locket’s symbolism in the literature, how the locket is depicted in the works of art, and the features of the bearers of such adornments.
One of the most prevalent interpretations of the locket is its role as a keeper of memories. Lockets often contain photographs or locks of hair, encasing personal history within a delicate casing. This keepsake serves as a bridge between the past and the present, allowing the bearer to hold onto cherished memories. In literature, this aspect of the locket is frequently explored to illustrate a character's longing for the past or a desire to preserve a particular moment in time.
For instance, in Kate Chopin's short story "The Locket," the locket symbolizes the protagonist's love and the memories associated with it. When the locket is lost, it signifies a loss of connection and a disruption of the emotional continuity that the object represents. The act of losing the locket parallels the protagonist's internal struggle with grief and the impermanence of life, making the locket a poignant symbol of memory and loss.
Beyond its role as a repository for memories, the locket often symbolizes identity. The contents of a locket are usually hidden from public view, known only to the bearer and perhaps a select few. This concealment mirrors the private aspects of a person's identity that are not readily visible to the outside world. In this way, the locket can be seen as a metaphor for the hidden facets of one's self, encapsulating personal secrets, desires, and emotions.
In Charlotte Brontë's "Jane Eyre," the locket serves as a key to understanding the complexities of identity. Jane receives a locket from Mr. Rochester, which contains his portrait. This gift represents the intimacy and personal connection between them, but it also encapsulates Jane's struggle with her sense of self. The locket, hidden beneath her clothing, becomes a symbol of her internal conflict between her love for Mr. Rochester and her need for independence. It serves as a reminder of her hidden desires and the parts of herself that she keeps concealed from the world.
Time is another theme intricately woven into the symbolism of the locket. As a keepsake, a locket often endures through generations, passed down from one person to another. This continuity imbues the locket with a sense of timelessness, serving as a link between the past, present, and future. The locket thus becomes a vessel through which the passage of time is both acknowledged and defied.
In F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby," Daisy Buchanan's locket is a poignant symbol of the passage of time and the unchanging nature of Gatsby's love for her. The locket, containing a photograph of Daisy, represents Gatsby's idealized vision of her and the life they could have had together. Despite the years that have passed, the locket remains unchanged, much like Gatsby's unwavering devotion. However, the locket's permanence also highlights the futility of trying to recapture the past, underscoring the novel's central theme of the elusiveness of the American Dream.
The locket, with its hidden compartments and personal significance, serves as a powerful symbol in literature. It encapsulates memory, identity, and the passage of time, offering a tangible representation of the complex emotions and themes that define the human experience. Through the analysis of various literary works, it becomes evident that the locket is more than just a piece of jewelry; it is a profound metaphor for the intricate and often hidden aspects of our lives.
In examining the role of the locket in literature, we gain a deeper understanding of the characters who possess it and the symbolic weight it carries. Whether as a keeper of memories, a symbol of identity, or a marker of time, the locket reveals the multifaceted nature of human existence, making it a timeless and enduring symbol in the world of storytelling.
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