Symbolism: A stop sign or a green light?

In some ways symbolism can be viewed as both stop signs and/or green lights. I know when I read something symbols tend to lead me into rabbit holes because I am a deep thinker, but symbols are also why I want to be an English teacher one day. Symbols create passion in a story. For example, Sonny's blues was a deep story for me, why? Because the music invoked a long ago passion that was restored within only reading a few words about the effects music had on the people in that story.

Symbols can help a story develop sometimes more than the characters/plot can. Another example is in Waiting for Godot. The symbols of the hats, shoes, tree and other props make it seem like the set itself is useless, but in reality...without it, we wouldn't understand the outside surroundings and how they effect the inward emotions. What would the story in Waiting for Godot be like if the characters didn't look inside their hats? What would the story be like if it didn't start off with one of the main characters trying to take of his boot?

Symbols can also hinder some stories. When watching a movie like The Labyrinth the title itself seems like a symbol. We all know what a labyrinth is, but in that movie it becomes too literal until the end, when you realize why the labyrinth was there in the first place and why the people (or symbols) were strategically placed throughout the storyline. The main character's journey is filled with props that she must use to her advantage, while also interacting with the symbols around her.

I wondered about symbols that surround me everyday. Something as simple as a handicap sign, I can understand. But then I thought, what if I were blind? What new form would such a simple sign like a handicapped symbol change into? While walking down El Prado I see many people holding books and book bags; because of that I assume that they are going to class or teaching one, but I'm probably wrong 45% of the time. Symbols can also be misleading. I know when I say something it can mean something else. Symbols are also like that. When most see a green light it means go, but in other countries it could mean something completely different.

Book made into Film

Watching Godot in class was somewhat eye opening. If you don't go into the play with an open mind you automatically shut off from the humor that occurs within the first few seconds of the play. In the movie, it seems like it goes faster on the screen as opposed to reading the story in Beckett's book. The two men in the beginning during the film seem even more in depth than I could've possibly imagined when simply reading the play in a book.

Usually I am one of those people that likes to read a story before hitting the theaters, but in this case I think the film adaptation really strikes a literary cord. I found all the characters to be astounding. It kept you wondering why the characters asked what they asked, or did what they did. At one point I felt incredibly sorry for Lucky who has to carry all of Pozzo's things. In the book for some odd reason I did not feel as sorry for him. Also, I thought it ironic that his name is Lucky...

Because we did not get to finish the film in class, I was somewhat disappointed. I really was getting into understanding the characters. The fact that the play is very "short" answered and a question is usually answered with another question leads to the assumption that this play is obviously talking somewhat about God. The title itself has the word God in it!

In my opinion the film was good. I thought it would be boring. I thought it would be like watching an old 1920s silent film. The actors did a great job at portraying the characters and they did great with what little plot was given.