Neda Aria
Apr 15, 20236 min
Symbolism is a powerful literary device that has been used by transgressive fiction writers. In this genre symbolism is employed to communicate complex ideas and emotions that are often too difficult to articulate directly. As we discussed in previous article "Transgressive Fiction Themes", this genre often tackles themes that are considered taboo or controversial. These themes are explored through characters that are often flawed, creating a sense of moral ambiguity and uncertainty that can be challenging for readers. I believe symbolism in can provide a way for authors to convey these themes and ideas more effectively and powerfully in such genre. In this post, we will explore 5 ways in which symbolism is used in transgressive fiction. If you're interested in learning more about literary devices in transgressive fiction, be sure to check out our other blog posts on imagery, perspective, and other techniques. Subscribe for free to read more.
What is the Role of Symbolism in Transgressive Fiction
How to tackle Societal Norms through Symbolism in Transgressive Fiction
How to Use of Symbolism to Portray Taboo Subjects in Transgressive Fiction
How to use Symbolism and Moral Ambiguity in Transgressive Fiction Characters
Conclusion: Challenging Reader Perceptions through Symbolism in Transgressive Fiction
Image Source Nicole Rifkin
To begin with I believe there are at least 5 ways that we can use symbolism in transgressive fiction:
To represent taboo subjects or ideas
To create complex and ambiguous characters
To explore the psychology of characters
To convey themes and ideas more effectively
To subvert societal norms and expectations
Now, let's dive in deeper.
Symbolism is a crucial element in this genre that allows authors to communicate complex themes and ideas in a powerful and effective way. By using symbols to represent these ideas, authors can create a deeper and more layered narrative that engages readers and challenges them to think critically about the themes and issues presented in the story. Additionally, symbolism can help authors to create complex and ambiguous characters, explore their psychology in greater depth, and subvert societal norms and expectations.
Here are a 3 examples of how symbolism is used in transgressive fiction:
1. Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov: This controversial classic follows the story of a middle-aged man named Humbert Humbert who becomes obsessed with a twelve-year-old girl named Dolores Haze. The novel uses symbolism to reflect the twisted nature of their relationship, such as Humbert's obsession with the color green, which represents his corrupt and manipulative character.
"Her skin was the color of the vulva; that special shade of white like eggshells, or the petals of a white rose, which is not so much a color as a sign of that which is not a color, of virginity, inexperience."
2. Crash by J.G. Ballard: This novel explores the twisted relationship between a group of people who are sexually aroused by car crashes. The novel uses car crashes as a metaphor for the destructive nature of desire and obsession, highlighting how our most primal instincts can lead to our downfall.
"Their blood, as it courses through their bodies, will be infused with a new and terrible excitement, and they will pointlessly mutilate each other, exchanging the most unspeakable obscenities in the back seats of their cars, like children who have stumbled on some new, diabolic toy."
3. Naked Lunch by William S. Burroughs: This novel is a collection of loosely connected stories that explore the darker side of drug addiction and sexuality. The novel uses surreal and grotesque imagery to convey the chaotic and fragmented nature of the characters' experiences, such as the recurring image of the "Black Meat," which represents the primal, animalistic desires that drive the characters' actions.
"The Black Meat, the headless swimmer, the front anus, the torn vision never never known how fingers feel and grasp and release top outward spouting I am a poor thing, meaningless, went away, the door closed."
We know that, Transgressive Fiction goes against the societal norms and challenge them. So, symbolism is a key element that authors use to convey these ideas in powerful and thought-provoking ways.
1. The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood: This novel uses the color red as a symbol of female oppression, with the main character Offred describing the red clothing of the Handmaids as "the color of blood, which defines us." The novel's use of this symbol highlights the ways in which patriarchal societies seek to control women's bodies and reproductive choices.
2. Irvine Welsh's Trainspotting: This novel uses the recurring image of the toilet as a symbol of the characters' depravity and the futility of their drug-fueled existence. The toilet, usually seen as a mundane object, is used here to symbolize the characters' self-destructive behavior and the depths to which they have sunk.
Bret Easton Ellis's American Psycho: This novel uses the symbol of the business card to reflect the protagonist's obsession with status and materialism. The protagonist, Patrick Bateman, becomes increasingly unhinged as he fixates on the smallest details of his business cards, highlighting the ways in which capitalist societies can drive people to madness.
"We push boundaries, we're transgressive writer". Twit that please!
So, yes! Transgressive fiction is a genre that pushes boundaries and explores taboo themes that are often considered too controversial for mainstream literature. Imagine Symbolism is a key literary device that authors use to convey these taboo themes in a way that is powerful and thought-provoking. Imagine, the French government accused Flaubert of obscenity upon releasing Madame Bovary, leading to a trial and eventual acquittal of the author (luckily it only increased interest in the work's 1857 book release.) And today with all political correctness and Cancel Culture, no one is safe anymore.
1. The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood: The novel uses the symbol of the red cloak worn by the Handmaids to represent their oppression and subjugation. The color red, which is often associated with passion and vitality, is here used to symbolize the loss of agency and control that the Handmaids experience in their lives.
2. Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov: The novel uses the symbol of the heart-shaped glasses to represent the protagonist's twisted and obsessive love for the young girl, Lolita. The glasses, which are a common motif in popular culture, are here used to highlight the perverse and disturbing nature of the protagonist's desire.
3. Tampa by Alissa Nutting: The novel uses the symbol of the flower to represent the protagonist's sexual desire for her underage students. The flower, which is often associated with innocence and purity, is here used to underscore the taboo nature of the protagonist's desires and to highlight the ways in which society often idealizes and fetishizes youth.
Symbolism is a key literary device that authors use to convey these characters' inner turmoil and to blur the lines between good and evil.
1. Patrick Bateman in Bret Easton Ellis's American Psycho: The novel uses the symbol of masks to represent Bateman's duality - his public persona as a successful and charismatic investment banker, and his private identity as a sadistic killer. The masks, which Bateman collects and obsesses over, symbolize his ability to hide his true nature and to manipulate those around him.
2. Tyler Durden in Chuck Palahniuk's Fight Club: The novel uses the symbol of soap to represent the slippery nature of Tyler Durden's morality. Like soap, Tyler is clean and pure on the surface, but his actions and beliefs are murky and morally ambiguous. The symbol also underscores the idea that Tyler is a product of the consumerist culture that he seeks to rebel against.
3. Alex in Anthony Burgess's A Clockwork Orange: The novel uses the symbol of music to represent Alex's love of violence and his inner struggle between good and evil. Alex associates classical music with his violent acts, and the novel suggests that this connection is part of his moral ambiguity. The use of music also highlights the ways in which art can both inspire and corrupt.
Transgressive fiction is a genre that is known for challenging societal norms and conventions. It is a genre that is not afraid to tackle controversial and taboo subjects, often forcing the reader to confront uncomfortable truths about themselves and the world around them. Symbolism plays an important role in transgressive fiction, as it allows authors to explore these themes and ideas in a more nuanced and powerful way. Through the use of symbolism, transgressive fiction writers can subvert reader expectations and challenge perceptions, creating a more immersive and thought-provoking reading experience. In this blog post, we will explore the ways in which symbolism is used in transgressive fiction to challenge reader perceptions and to create a deeper, more meaningful reading experience. We will also recommend reading other blog posts on themes, imagery, and narrative structures in transgressive fiction.
What do you think about the use of symbolism in transgressive fiction? Have you read any transgressive novels that use symbolism effectively? Do you believe that symbolism is a powerful tool for conveying complex ideas and emotions that are often difficult to articulate directly? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments section below. We look forward to hearing from you!