Use of Symbolism in

            Writer's Craft: The Use of Symbolism.
             Writers often use different literary techniques in order to bring greater understanding and reveal some truth about a character to the reader. One of these techniques is the usage of symbolism. A symbol is something that means more than what it is; it has a different, abstract meaning apart from its literal significance. It can be an object, a person, a situation, an action, or any other thing presented in a story. In Katherine Mansfield's short story "Miss Brill", symbolism is used to bring about a greater understanding of the character, Miss Brill. In D.H. Lawrence's "The Rocking Horse Winner", symbolism is used to reveal conflicts between Paul and his mother to the reader.
             In Katherine Mansfield's "Miss Brill", the use of symbolism underscores Miss Brill's innocence. One of these symbols is the fur collar she wears. The fur represents a pet to her, something cute she can love as other people love their dogs or children. However, she does not know her fur, which was once very stylish, is now the victim of jokes. Miss Brill lives for the days that she spends in the park. This can be seen when she rubs "the life back into [her fur's] dim little eyes". Not only does this quote reveal that the trips to the park rubs life back into Miss Brill, but also the condition of the furs eyes implies that Miss Brill is not as young and full of life as she once might have been. It seems that Mansfield was deeply trying to convey this bond between Miss Brill and the fur. For example, throughout the story when Miss Brill is happy, the fur is also happy, and when the fur is insulted then Miss Brill is also insulted. Perhaps the best example of this bond is when Miss Brill is sitting in her cupboard like room and puts her fur away, and thinks that she hears "something crying". Another symbol which plays an important part in Miss Brill's characterization is that of performing.