Introduction

The symbolism of the title is the most important feature of the narrative with reference to the text, read, discuss the extent to which this is true.

In the play ‘Richard the Third’ and the novel ‘The great Gatsby’ symbolism can be found. Symbolism is a figure of speech in which a person, object or situation is given another meaning other than its literal one. The question statement claims that symbolism in the title is the most important feature of the narratives but I detest that. Though I agree that there is symbolism within the title and book ‘The great Gatsby,’ I do feel that symbolism shares its importance with Imagery. The title does speak to the theme of the story which is about the great life of a man named Gatsby. In this novel there are a lot of themes, as well as other devices for example motifs and juxtaposition. They all seem to bring an important sequence within the novel, hinting clues or giving us more of an insider into Gatsby’s life. Examples can be found numerous times throughout the book. An example of symbolism in the book is the green light which signifies Gatsby’s hope. Symbolism is one of the most recurring devices in the novel, but it also comes hand in hand with imagery as the green light is seen but signifies something other than a light. Also, another example which is motifs are the areas of which the characters were living (east and west egg and the wastelands). Motifs can be defined as recurring subjects, themes or contrasts within a narrative. Secondly, in the title of the drama ‘Richard the Third’ I disagree with the problem statement as there is not only a lack of symbolism in the title but not a very frequent occurrence in the play itself. The Play as well contains motifs, for example Clarence’s dream about Richard murdering him. Mostly in the drama are soliloquies which are a type of monologue that is to the audience from a character and can be heard by no one else (other characters).  The play opens with a soliloquy by the main character, Richard and can be found many times throughout the play. Exposition and monologues are a very prevalent coming hand in hand with foreshadowing. Foreshadowing is defined to be the relaying of hints of what is going to occur in the story, and the play as Richard continuously gave readers insight into what his evil plans are to be.