Symbolism In The Japanese Quince

Galsworthy’s story “The Japanese Quince” consists of a simple story with two men, Mr. Nilson and Mr.Tandram and their encounter along a Japanese quince. Mr.Nilson began his day with a walk around his garden until he encounters the Japanese quince. Nilson perceives the trees one of vibrant life where Tandram is also found viewing upon the same tree. After short discussion upon the tree, both part ways to their own lives. Throughout the story, Galsworthy alluded to many different characteristics that are able to express the hidden ideal of rebirth. Galsworthy’s use of symbolism, especially the technique of the double or mirror image, functions to define the restrictive lifestyle of Mr.Nilson, to illuminate the exciting potential of a new life …show more content…
Upon Mr. Nilson’s first sight upon the Japanese quince he described the tree as “it was covered with young blossoms, pink and white” that is able to describe the tree to have a sense of enlightenment due to the fact that the blossoms are vibrant and bright further embodies the essence of life. Galsworthy’s description of the blossom express the joys and wonders of life while, the authors’ description of the leaves as being “little bright green leaves both round and spiky; and on all this blossom and these leaves the sunlight glistened” can characterize the tree as also representing rebirth though life and death based on the leaves being “both round and spiky”. The added detail of the tree as being “these exotics, they don’t bear fruit” as being comparative to both Nilson and Tandram as being able to bear fruit or wealth but, aren’t as of life. The overall environment of the garden which is expressed through the description of Mr. Nilson’s “pace of a circular path” implies the ideology of rebirth and the cycle of life and death. The quiet atmosphere and somberness of the garden besides the singing blackbird further supports the quiet field upon the realm of life and death where the blackbird is also able to be characterized as somber due to its appearance but, also the light-heartedness and cheerful tone of its song can allude to the potential well-being of Nilson and …show more content…
Mr. Nilson’s sensations and background information such as “a feeling of emptiness just under his fifth rib” and his appearance of black is able to represent his desolate lifestyle, one that is absence of the vibrant emotions of life which is further exemplified with Mr., Tandram .The descriptions of the tree as being “young blossoms, pink and white, and little bright green leaves…” express the quince as being the essence of life and the potential of rebirth is further evident through the characteristics of the leaves being “ both round and sharp” that express the concepts of life and death. The ambiance of the garden with the blackbird is able to express the potential of comfort and brightness that would have been attained to the men. The author 's utilization of double images and mirrored images are able to further express the concept of rebirth nearing the end of the story. Mr. Tandram continues to view the window while, Mr. Nilson is irritated by looking at his newspaper which further enhances the significance of rebirth upon their desolate