Different writers have different strategies to express their arguments. Through this quarter we learned a few styles of expressions. As we might have noticed, in the article “The Death of the Moth”, “Consider the Lobster”, and “ Shooting an Elephant” , these articles are written with the same strategies, which is symbolization. By using a type of animal’s particular feature, further analyzing its behavior and conflicts occurred in the story. Writers in these articles choose not to give strong evidence or data to prove their point of view, but with rhetorical strategies,like first person perspective. Symbols such as rifles to represent the power of the British Empire.

QUESTION

This is the Idea I had. you can pick which ever 3 articles in the files I attached below. I choose to use symbolization in Shooting an Elephant, death of the moth, and consider the lobster. but it is just an idea or example. you can still use any of these. this is the final draft, so 4 pages or more would be appreciated.
Different writers have different strategies to express their arguments. Through this quarter we learned a few styles of expressions. As we might have noticed, in the article “The Death of the Moth”, “Consider the Lobster”, and “ Shooting an Elephant” , these articles are written with the same strategies, which is symbolization. By using a type of animal’s particular feature, further analyzing its behavior and conflicts occurred in the story. Writers in these articles choose not to give strong evidence or data to prove their point of view, but with rhetorical strategies,like first person perspective. Symbols such as rifles to represent the power of the British Empire. In shooting an elephant, at first, the gun is used to control the colonists, but when Orwell uses it to kill the elephant to appease the colonists, the power of the British Empire is turned against itself. So writers expressing the emotions and developments to interest their audiences, let them have their own understanding of the article in their own impression.

ANSWER

Symbolization in “Shooting an Elephant,” “Death of the Moth,” and “Consider the Lobster”

Introduction

Different writers employ various strategies to convey their arguments effectively. Symbolization is one such strategy that allows authors to use symbols to represent abstract concepts, emotions, or conflicts. In the articles “The Death of the Moth,” “Consider the Lobster,” and “Shooting an Elephant,” the authors employ symbolization to delve into the behavior and conflicts experienced by the central characters. Rather than relying on strong evidence or data, these writers utilize rhetorical strategies, such as the first-person perspective, to engage readers and evoke their own interpretations. This essay explores the use of symbolization in these three articles, highlighting the symbolic representation of power, conflicts, and emotions through animal imagery.

Symbolization of Power

In George Orwell’s “Shooting an Elephant,” the symbol of a rifle represents the power of the British Empire. Initially, the protagonist wields the rifle as a means of controlling the colonized people (The “Power” Thing on JSTOR, n.d.). However, when he succumbs to societal pressure and shoots the elephant, the power embodied in the rifle becomes a force turned against the Empire itself. The rifle symbolizes the dual nature of power – its ability to oppress and control and its potential for self-destruction.

Symbolization of Conflicts

In Virginia Woolf’s “The Death of the Moth,” the moth symbolizes the fragility of life and the inevitability of death. As the moth futilely battles against the constraints of its physical existence, the author draws parallels to human struggles and the ultimately transient nature of life. By symbolizing the moth’s struggle, Woolf illuminates the universal human experience of grappling with obstacles, limitations, and mortality.

Symbolization of Emotions

David Foster Wallace, in “Consider the Lobster,” employs the symbol of the lobster to evoke a complex range of emotions and ethical considerations (The Legacy of David Foster Wallace 1609380827 – DOKUMEN.PUB, n.d.). By delving into the lobster’s sensory experiences and responses to pain, Wallace prompts readers to reflect on the morality of consuming animals. The lobster, as a symbol, serves as a catalyst for introspection, forcing readers to confront their own beliefs and consider the ethical implications of their actions.

 The Role of First-Person Perspective

In all three articles, the authors utilize the first-person perspective to establish a personal connection with the readers. By sharing their own experiences and emotions, Orwell, Woolf, and Wallace engage the audience on a deeper level, encouraging them to empathize with the symbolic representations presented in the texts (Cslakin & Cslakin, 2019). This intimate narrative approach helps to foster a stronger emotional response and enables readers to develop their own interpretations.

Conclusion

Symbolization is a powerful rhetorical strategy used by writers to convey complex ideas and emotions. In the articles “Shooting an Elephant,” “Death of the Moth,” and “Consider the Lobster,” authors employ symbolization to explore various themes, including power dynamics, conflicts, and human emotions. By utilizing animal imagery as symbols, these writers encourage readers to delve into deeper levels of interpretation and introspection. The first-person perspective further enhances the emotional impact of these narratives, allowing readers to form their own understanding of the articles. Through symbolization, these writers craft thought-provoking works that resonate with readers and offer insights into the human condition.

References

Cslakin, & Cslakin. (2019). The Connection between Character Emotion and Reader Empathy | Live Write Thrive. Live Write Thrive | Insights, Inspiration, and Practical Advice for Writers. https://www.livewritethrive.com/2019/02/04/the-connection-between-character-emotion-and-reader-empathy/ 

The Legacy of David Foster Wallace 1609380827 – DOKUMEN.PUB. (n.d.). dokumen.pub. https://dokumen.pub/the-legacy-of-david-foster-wallace-1609380827.html 

The “Power” thing on JSTOR. (n.d.). https://www.jstor.org/stable/1073711