Symbolism In the Oyster And The Pearl :: essays research papers

In William Saroyans play The Oyster and the drop curtain there is a lot of symbolism. The theme of the play is to take it easily and relax and life will be more than happier. Harry train Dusen is a barber that has a philosophy of "Take it easy." He tries to splay his philosophy by talking to people when he is cutting their hair. It was near as if the haircuts were just a way of dieting people in the barbershop to talk. The hats that Harry wore symbolized the attitude that he was in. The sea symbolizes life. The name of the small township that the story takes place in is called O.K.-by-the-Sea. That name symbolizes that life isnt perfect still by taking it easy it can be more fun. Vivian McCutcheon is a new school teacher that does everything "by the book." She just tries to fit in. This is symbolized by her wanting a poodle haircut. She didnt really want one plainly she was trying to be like everyone else. Harry knew this and that is why he would not give her the haircut. Harrys philosophy is superior to Vivians philosophy of fitting in. This is shown by how much happier Harry and everyone else that lives by his philosophy is than Vivian.All the little things in the story contain symbolism too. The bottle of sea water stands for the details of life that nonplus to be looked for. Clay and Clark Larrabee symbolize the problems and difficulties that occur in life. Two of the near important symbols in the story are the oyster and the pearl. The oyster symbolizes obstacles that essential be overcome to get to hope(the pearl). Beach combing represents looking for the obstacles to get to hope. The pearl is hope. When Clay found the oyster he thought there was a pearl inside.