Exemplar of Symbolic Analysis
with Commentary!
Living constrained because of circumstance leads
to the implication that there was a time when the
forceful grip of circumstance did not exist; a time
where the sunlight of one's innocence lived
uninhibited. Nowlan introduces the symbol of
innocence through the roses. The connotation of
the roses alludes to beauty, delicacy, and love. The
connotation of the roses being glass puts a
symbolic emphasis on the fact that they are fragile.
The glass roses are paralleled to Stephen’s
character. Both the roses and Stephen are described
with similar diction, implying their innocence.
Nowlan uses words such as daydreaming, pretty,
and fragile in reference to the roses. When
referring to Stephen, Nowlan uses words such as
fairytale, childlike, and little. The diction behind
both these sets of words creates a parallel of
fragility and innocence.
Here the focus of the analysis is clearly laid out: what the
symbol is (roses) and the idea it represents (innocence)
Then it goes on to explain the connotative meaning of the
roses in the context of the themes of the story – connecting
the symbol to the text
A specific detail of the symbol is identified (glass) and
explained (fragility)
An author choice (parallels) is identified (glass roses and
Stephen) and detailed evidence of how that parallel is
created is laid out (similar diction) with a thematic purpose
for this choice explained (innocence)
Specific examples (though, without citations) are given as
evidence of these paralleled diction choices
A connection is stated between these two parallel choices,
but there isn’t an explanation of how these sets of words
are similar or why they relate to fragility and innocence.
This parallel is continued when the roses break.
Nowlan uses the symbolism behind the shattered
roses to identify that circumstances have now been
placed against Stephen’s innocence. He uses
parallel imagery to create a comparison between
the destructive forces of the bombs upon the roses
and the life of a pulp cutter upon Stephen. “Yes,
the roses got smashed." There were uncontrolled
external forces acting upon the roses. “But more
crushing than the weariness was the conviction that
he was a weakling," a reflection of the gloomy
circumstances Stephen cannot escape. These
quotes show the parallel imagery Nowlan uses to
connect the roses and Stephen’s innocence.
The previous idea is further developed in order to more
persuasively demonstrate the parallel between the symbol
of the roses and Stephen
The author’s choice and the interpretation of symbolism
are both clearly stated (shattered roses = struggle for
Stephen’s innocence)
Author choice of parallel imagery (bombs, pulp cutters)
Specific examples (again, without citations) are given as
evidence of parallel imagery, however, neither piece of
proof is explained (how they work to represent the idea of
destruction)
Nor are the two examples synthesized to create
thematically significant meaning – which is needed in
order to prove that the roses are, indeed, a symbol: you
must prove a connection in order for it to be representative
Finally, the symbol of the roses act as a guiding
force, helping Stephen understand how to live
unconstrained by circumstance. They allow him an
opening to let the rays of happiness back into his
life. Nowlan creates a symbolic ending to his story
by emphasizing the significance that Leka still
remembers the roses and still finds great beauty
through their memory. He still sees the sun that
shines in upon him. Despite all the forces that
broke the roses – that broke Leka’s innocence – he
still chooses to remember the roses’ beauty before
it was crushed by circumstance. Nowlan exhibits
the realization Stephen must make through an
exchange between Stephen and Leka. “But they got
The symbol being explored (roses as guide) is stated, but
could be clearer/more succinct
Author choice and symbolism of ending are clearly stated
Because a strong connection was not made between roses
and innocence earlier on, this reference to Leka’s loss of
innocence remains either vague or straightforward instead
of being insightful
Wording is a little awkward trying to avoid “shows”
Integration of quotation into sentence is a little awkward
Sentence structure reads too much like point form, is an
smashed” – a demonstration that Stephen does not
believe he can keep his childhood innocence while
being placed under crushing circumstances. “Yes,
they were beautiful” – Leka’s willingness to
remember the roses despite the crushing
circumstances. It does not matter that the roses
have been smashed, the significance is that Leka
can remember what they once were. At the end of
the story, Stephen’s character parallels Leka’s
experience with the roses. Though his father places
scrutinizing circumstances upon him, Stephen still
holds fast to his childlike self. Nowlan expresses
this transition in Stephen when, though he is
hesitant, Stephen still responds to Leka’s nightmare
at the end of the story. He is not willing to lose
himself – to lose his innocence – to the
circumstances around him. He will not give in to
the harsh expectation of the life of pulp cutter.
Stephen can now live unrestrained because he
understands the need to attempt to remember the
life he loved before circumstances were against
him. He now understands a cloudy day is no reason
not to see the sun.
ineffective stylistic choice
By returning to a symbolism buzzword, the focus is being
redirected back to the interpretation of the symbol, though
this symbolic interpretation could be stronger
Again the mention of parallels is used, though the role of
the author is diminished
Proof of Stephen holding on to his childlike self would
help strengthen this statement.
Connecting Stephen’s choice to the symbol previously
discussed (roses as guiding force) would help focus and
strengthen the purpose of this section
Using new imagery at the end instead of returning to tie
together previous interpretations weakens the analysis