Still Stands The House

Words: 685
Pages: 3

The main goal of symbolism in any form of literature is to enhance the reader's understanding of various literary elements. Gwen Pharis Ringwood depicts this concept flawlessly through her dramatic play Still Stands the House. Ringwood incorporates various objects that portray several different concepts, such as how a loss of control alters one's behavior, the overall conflict between Ruth and Hester, and lastly how these factors contribute to the demise of Ruth, Bruce and the baby. Furthermore, due to the numerous elements presented in the play, readers can gain new insights to the symbolic representations along with an enlightened perspective on plot and characterization. Through the symbolism of the lanterns, the hyacinths and the yarn, one can better …show more content…
She is perfectly content with her independent life at the house with her brother. Which is exactly why Hester resents Ruth, because she is something new and unfamiliar to her. It is because of this unfamiliarity that Hester is desperately trying to regain power and authority; she wants to take control of her life, and since Ruth is now a component she finds herself attempting to control Ruth as well. This theory is most apparent when Hester states “I always filled the lanterns after supper” (Ringwood 41). Her statement acts as a way to provoke Ruth; to further extinguish any hope Ruth may have that they will get along. Ruth is unwanted and looked down upon, all due to the fact that she does not live her life in a way that pleases Hester. Additionally, it is important to note that just before the end of the play “Hester blows out the lamp” (Ringwood 42). More or less annihilating any chance of Ruth, Bruce and the babies survival. Afterwards, readers are able to observe one of the most significant aspects in relation to symbolism in terms of the relationship between Hester and