Style and Technique: Symbolism

Style and Technique: Symbolism in ‘Men Should Weep’

Understanding Symbolic Elements

  • In ‘Men Should Weep’, Ena Lamont Stewart utilises symbolic elements to project deeper meanings and amplify the themes of the play.
  • In this naturalistic drama, symbols are used to represent concepts associated with poverty, domesticity, societal oppression, and hope in a socioeconomically challenged setting.

Symbolism of the Tenement Building

  • The cramped and decaying tenement building stands as a powerful symbol of the oppressive social conditions that the characters live in.
  • It represents the unforgiving environment which stifles their dreams and aspirations, pointing towards the wider issue of societal neglect and urban poverty.

Symbolism of the Walls

  • The paper-thin walls of the apartment symbolise the lack of privacy and the intrusion of the outside world into the characters’ lives.
  • The walls serve as a metaphor for the helplessness and vulnerability of the characters, their inability to escape their circumstances and the harsh realities intruding on their personal lives.

Symbolism of the Bookcase

  • The bookcase, a recurring object in the drama, represents John’s aspirations and his belief in education as a pathway toward a better life.
  • The item itself contrasts dramatically with the surrounding environment, symbolising the desire for an elevated status and turning it into a beacon of hope.

The Use of Disease as a Symbol

  • The tuberculosis confronting various characters is a potent symbol representing the physical manifestation of the continual strain and struggle brought about by their socioeconomic situation.
  • Disease in the play reflects the characters’ constant fight against their harsh environment. It’s a broader reflection of societal neglect and the deteriorating health conditions of underprivileged communities.

Understanding Symbolism in ‘Men Should Weep’

  • Unpacking the symbolism deployed by Stewart can provide a more nuanced perspective on the thematic depth of the drama.
  • Exploring how symbols inform and deepen the narrative can help to further comprehend the wider societal issues of poverty, hope, and aspiration depicted in ‘Men Should Weep.’