“The Birth-Mark” by Nathaniel Hawthorne
The main symbol around which the story develops is certainly the birthmark on Georgiana’s left cheek. Initially, the girl seems to be the perfect creation of nature – she is smart, kind, and gorgeous but the mark becomes a trouble for her husband. The birthmark symbolizes the imperfection that haunts people everywhere in their lives. Like the character of the story, they become obsessed with this little detail, and just like he does not notice the beauty of his wife, people do not see the beauty of life.
“Bartleby, the Scrivener” by Herman Melville
The story of Bartleby is quite symbolic since the central place of action is the office – this is a symbol of human society, and the mentioned heroes represent various parts of it. The main character has established himself as a reliable employee, but gradually, his desire to do something disappeared. He embodies the part of the population that feels lonely even among many people. Bartleby shows signs of depression, and a part of society represented by a narrator offers him help. However, for some reason, the character does not accept it. There is a possibility that in this way, the hero protests, but the grounds and requirements are not apparent. Later, readers understand that there is a specific type of personality that cannot be helped for the reason that they do not want it.
“A Hunger Artist” by Franz Kafka
The symbol that attracts special attention in Kafka’s story is a panther, which at the end of the story, replaces a hunger artist. It represents the complete opposite of the protagonist, the embodiment of life itself. Thus, the fact that the audience liked the new animal more symbolizes their preference for physical perfection and the material world over the spiritual one. However, both the artist and the panther are restrained by the cage – another symbol of the story. The cage and the audience represent public opinion and its limitations – while the crowd is interested in something, it receives recognition.
“The Story of an Hour” by Kate Chopin
The story uses several nature symbols that represent freedom for the main character. The beautiful blue sky that she sees from the window and has no boundaries alludes to a new life that will belong only to Louise. Moreover, she sees the sky through an open window symbolizing the accessibility of new life. Furthermore, the spring day when the girl wakes up represents new opportunities for her – Louise sees a new life as beautiful and natural.