INTRODUCTION TO FICTION - Essay Example

First Sur Research Question How does symbolism as a literary technique play a significant role developing plots in both Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and Salinger’s A Perfect Day for Bananafish?JustificationThe exploration of the theme of symbolism is appropriate due to the numerous instances in which the authors use symbols to communicate their messages to their audiences. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn plot organization revolves around the Mississippi River as a representation of freedom.

Jim and Huck consider the river as their medium to freedom. For instance, Jim is expecting to reach the Free States while Huck is escaping from his abusive father and the madness he calls “civilizing” of St. Petersburg. The river changes its course as it runs through to the North the same way Huck and Jim are willing to change their attitude to accommodate each other. In A Perfect Day for Bananafish, the Bananafish represents Seymour and attempts to reconnect with society after the war. Seymour feels trapped in the world where no one understands him the same way Huck’s lifestyle makes him feel St.

Petersburg’s civilization is suffocating him. These instances together with a significant number of other cases in the two texts, offer a rich facet for deep exploration in an academic essay. Research Question 2How do societal issues contribute as the backbone of plot development in Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, and Salinger’s A Perfect Day for Bananafish?JustificationThe contemporary literary writers consider the society to be a significant niche that warrants incorporation into writing.

These issues are weighty as they affect the well-being of individuals, and this mirrors the conditions in the society. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn highlights lies and cons as the major societal concerns. The malicious lies and frauds from the Duke and Dauphin are wrong since they hurt innocent people. Huck also tells lies and cons the slave-hunters. The fact that Huck later realizes lies can help changes his view on what is wrong or right. Similarly, Seymour, in “A Perfect Day for Bananafish,” is analyzing the materialism in Muriel’s world.

Muriel is character luxuriating in material wealth throughout the story. Seymour feels alienated from Muriel’s world due to her obsession with money, which is a perfect example of what happens in a modern society where wealth strains relations between people. Work CitedSalinger, J. D. Nine Stories. Boston: Little, Brown, 1953. Print.Twain, Mark, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1999. Print.