The Bowl

It would be impossible to have a complete blog dissecting symbolism in the humanities without including a selection from the short story genre.  I have chosen Janus by Ann Beattie to be that selection.  This is such a fitting short story since an understanding of symbolism increases the reader's interaction with the story.  The story can be found at this link: Janus (Beattie).  I encourage my reader to read the short story along with my analysis.

Allusions to Greek and Roman mythology fall behind only the Bible in abundance.  It seems no surprise then when this short story is named after the two-faced roman god.  In most modern uses, an allusion to him depicts deception and dual roles.

(Source)

With this image priming us, we begin to read the introduction to this short story.  Beattie assaults her readers with descriptions of a bowl-- we are never told of what material.  It soon becomes obvious to the perceptive reader that this bowl is meant to symbolize the protagonist: Andrea.

(Source)

Once we see the bowl as Andrea we can see characteristics of both that parallel each other (such as their compatibility with the mutt Mondo) and the characteristics of the bowl that are meant to illuminate Andrea.

We see that Andrea is not a standout of any means, but she is attractive in a subtle way.  We also see that her husband does not pay as much attention to Andrea as he would have earlier.  However, as it becomes more and more apparent that this bowl represents some specific aspect of her identity we are left questioning an important element: where did the bowl come from?

(Source)

We then see that this bowl is a big secret in her life.  Whatever this defining element of her identity is, she cannot bring herself to share it with her husband, although she desires to at various times.  The bowl becomes bigger and bigger in her life, taking the place of all the symbolic "other items on the table" which she no longer cares about.

Finally, we see what the bowl symbolizes as its origins are revealed to us.  The bowl was bought by her lover, who later ran away after Andrea wouldn't leave her marriage.  The author leaves us with one last image of the bowl (and therefore Andrea) which is easily simplified down to one word: empty.

(Source)

Works Cited

Beattie, Ann. "Janus." Park City: new and selected stories. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1998. 32-38. Print.