An Analysis of the Symbolism and Characters in "The Virgin Suicides" by Jeffrey Eugenides Essay

Symbolism and Characters in "The Virgin Suicides" Symbolism and Characters in "The Virgin Suicides"The Virgin Suicides by Jeffery Eugenides is coated with symbolism from beginning to end. Eugenides utilizes many metaphors, comparing inadement objects with abstract ideas. The author inputs these abstract ideas, comparing the condition of the house relating to the decay of the Lisbons, the behavior of the characters to animals, and the insects to death and despair. As the snapshot shows, the slate roof had not yet begun to shed its shingles, the porch was still visible above the bushes, and the windows were not yet held together with strips of masking tape. (5) This photo was snapped before the first suicide attempt, when the soul of the Lisbons still contained spirit and hope. However, the narrators description of the picture foreshadowed what would occur to both the house, and more importantly, the Lisbon family. As struggles began within the Lisbon family, the house slowly showed the first signs of decay. The house receded behind its mists of youth being choked off, and even our own parents began to mention how dim and unhealthy the place looked. (145) Metaphorically what the parents really meant, but didnt know how to communicate, was that the familys outlook was becoming dim and unhealthy. From this point on, the condition of the family was spinning in an uncontrollable downward spiral. The girls remained on house arrest, and had no chance to socialize with others. This alone could drive a person crazy, being locked up in a prison type environment. The rate of suicide in prison is extremely high due to the same type of isolation that faced the girls. As the family deteriorated further, with Mr. Lisbon losing his job and Lux screwing around on the roof, Eugenides began to more vividly demonstrate the dimensioning house, The first slate of tile slid off their roof, missing the porch by an inch and embedding itself in the...

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