“IMAGES AND SYMBOLS."

Putaruru Press, Volume IV, Issue 148, 2 September 1926, Page 2

“IMAGES AND SYMBOLS."

THEIR USE IN LITERATURE. (By Gi-aciosa) Images and symbols are valuable in literature because they present truth far more concisely, vividly, memorably and emotionally than literal statement. In all strong races the desire to give form and substance to ideas and emotions is .very keenly felt. The ancient Hebrews were forbidden by their religion to make graven images of persons or animals. The images they were not allowed to make with their fingers they made with their minds. These they gave to the world in a literature strong, clear and beautiful. In all literature, written or rewritten in our language, perhaps a more excellent description of old age could not be found than that contained in the Book of Ecclesiastes. It is a superb description. It is a universal truth stated in symbols that are true and appropriate. The majesty of the metaphors has given this passage everlasting life. The real beauties of the passage in their original wording become apparent if compared when translated into every-day language. Two or three examples only are necessary. Let us substitute “In the day's when the keepers of the house shall tremble ” to “ In the days when a man’s arms have grown weak.” Instead of “ And those that look out of the windows be darkened ” let us say' “ When a man grows blind.” Having done this, we have stated facts unfeelingly. We have awakened no sense of wistfulness. The original by its beauty and truth imaginatively' expressed reaches our hearts and abides in our minds always.

If such, symbols , are -old* as, old as 'the ages, how. as..it they, retain theiy | strength and freshness The answer is, sincerity. These symbols are trite and ineffectual if used insincerely or artificially, as the result of puerile realisation. A case in point i§ “ Tattoo,” by Wallace Stevens 3 , The light is like a spider! . ;I • It' crawls over th£ water. : ■ : It crawls over the edges \dfi the: sun. It crawls . under your eyelids . - And spreads its web there. — Its two webs. “ -Read casually, it sounds well enough, but it; will not briar analysis. Compare it .with ■ another • little poem, “The -Fog*” by Carl Sandburg: : ' •• ! TT • The fog comes on-.litt}e cat feet, .. It sits looking over harbour and .city On silent haunches, And then moves oh. The symbolism here, is new,- but quite true. • ■ ■ • • We are told that the masters of symbolism come from the Orient. This may be because the making of strong symbols either in prose or poetry is a task for leisure and meditation. The Orient loves these latter as the Occident loves action and swiftness.