Imagery And Symbolism In The Narcissus Myth

The main symbol in the narcissus myth is the water, which stands for the beginning of reflection on yourself or the beginning of a journey. Boyle illustrates the myth's symbolism by inventing a figure who, like Narcissus, lives in misery. Narcissus and Mrs. Ames are both dissatisfied with their outcomes. The way Mrs. Ames sees her marriage reveals her distress. She felt lost and stuck since she didn't feel connected to her spouse. She demonstrated her hostility by stepping into the unknown in response to the plumber's offer. As in the tale, Mrs. Ames had to enter the water to start her journey toward self-realization. Although the story did not detail what happened next, there was a suggestion of tension between the two individuals. The scene that follows the heroes alone in the garden emphasizes this tension.

Ames realized how much she yearned for connection and discussion. The plumber came over when she was in the yard alone with her thoughts. He looked down at her elevated face. The plumber reassured her when she expressed concern, saying, “There's a remedy for every illness, you know.” The garden in the tale has a similar significance to that of Narcissus' tale. It serves as a space for reflection and comfort. Mrs. Ames was able to discover herself thanks to the water. Yet unlike Narcissus, Mrs. Ames was able to break the water's surface, which is the main difference. According to our module, the major symbols of the Narcissus myth are gardens and waters. The module states that the garden “symbolizes a character’s retreat from conflict. They are looking for someplace calm, quiet, and pure.” and waters “symbolizes a window, or a door, an opportunity for the character to begin a journey toward self-discovery.” These symbols are represented in modern