Symbolism in The Grasshopper and the Bell Cricket Essay Example

Introduction

Authors often use literary techniques to enhance the impact of their works. Yasunari Kawbata's "The Grasshopper and the Bell Cricket", uses strong symbolism in order to strengthen the theme. This story is similar to finding a diamond in rough. It focuses on love and acceptance.

Is your time best spent reading someone else’s essay? Get a 100% original essay FROM A CERTIFIED WRITER!

Save 25%

Love and Acceptance: Uncovering the Theme in "The Grasshopper and the Bell Cricket"

The story's narrator is an observer who watches children catch insects using lanterns they have made from both store-bought or homemade. Each child has a different lantern that represents their individuality and variety. One child purchased their lantern from the store, but it was later donated because it wasn't special. The beautiful display of Japanese culture is overwhelming the narrator. Kiyoko is wearing a white Kimono to symbolize the innocence of children. Kiyoko means "pure child" and white is the universal symbol of innocence and cleanliness. This theme is directly connected to Kiyoko's innocence when she meets Fujio, which helps the reader understand the metaphor of bell cricket.

Fujio considers Kiyoko a bell cricket. Fujio viewed Kiyoko as special and one-of-a-kind. Fujio called several times to ask if anyone wanted a grazer until Kiyoko came by and requested it. The narrator quickly realizes that Fujio had known this all along and was actually saving the insect for her. Each bell cricket in Japan is distinguished by its unique song. This song varies according to how the wings rub together and their body vibrations.

The bell cricket is a symbol of a special woman, while the grasshoppers are a representation of the common or average women who are hard to find, but not "the one." In the story, Fujio gives Kiyoko the bell Cricket and the narrator sees something that only he can appreciate. The lanterns projected their names, which they had carved into the lantern, onto their bodies. It was a sign of their future together. They knew they were part of one another in that moment.

Unveiling the Theme: "What One Might Mistake for Normal, but Another May Identify as Rare and Special"

The story's overarching theme is "what one might mistake for normal, but another may identify as rare and special." Without the use of symbols, we wouldn't get the full effect of this theme. The reader can see that the lanterns represent individuality, Kiyoko represents purity, and the bell cricket represents speciality. This gives them a foundation to build upon. Although I found this passage to be a well-written story, it was still difficult for me at first. Sometimes, I struggle to recognize abstract concepts like symbolism. It took me a few attempts to understand the story. I don't like uplifting themes in literature. They are too cheesy, and I think dark themes are more engaging and unique.

• What is the point of view of the Grasshopper versus the bell cricket?

This offer is only for a limited time! Yasunari Kawabata wrote the story "The Grasshopper and the Bell Cricket", a children's story in fiction. It is written from a third-person narrative perspective.

• What is the total number of words in the Grasshopper story and the bell cricket story?

The fence opens up to an embankment at its base, where the narrator can see a cluster bobbing, multicolored lanterns. Now, the narrator imagines that one of (The entire section is 489 words. Get a 48-hour trial of The Grasshopper & Bell Cricket and unlock the study guide.

• How does the narrator understand the significance of cricket and the Grasshopper?

The narrator can see the ties that unify the two children and the reflection of their names on one another. The experience is difficult for those who are involved to fully understand, but the outsider can see it more clearly. The narration explains the symbolism of the bell cricket and the grasshopper.

• What year did Keats first write the Grasshopper or the Cricket?

This poem was written by Keats in December 1816. It was inspired by nature's beauty. Poetry is often found in spring and good weather. Keats, however, is a different kind of poet. He finds beauty in nature in all seasons, including cold winters and hot summers. The grasshopper is a symbol of hot summer, while the cricket represents cold winter.