Symbolism In 'Crabbe' By William Bell

Crabbe is a novel by William Bell, where Crabbe, an alcoholic teenager, is so troubled by the people around him that he feels his only chance is to flee. Bell uses extreme amounts of symbolism to add extra depth to the plot, without directly affecting it. Crabbe has a problem with alcohol, as seen in the main plotline, but if one were to look at the symbolism provided by Bell, a greater understanding of what he truly meant will arise. The main symbols in the novel ( at least the excerpt) are those that define hypocriticism, less dominant ones that convey irony, and random symbols scattered throughout Bell’s work that provide situational symbolization. Symbols are images and ideas that add a secondary level of detail to the work, but do not

Early in the excerpt, Crabbe enters the change room to put on clothes, but when Grant enters, Crabbe attempts to put his sock on, but in the process falls to the ground. His sock represents the tiniest, most insignificant objects in life that in the right condition, can bring everything down. Unlike the sock, the Silent Sam vodka is set out in the literature so that one may notice it; Bell meant for it to be noticed. Bell chose this name brand of vodka specifically because it reflects Crabbe’s personality, and because quietness is a trait that is often overlooked in society, just as his vodka was for so long. Another symbol, just like the sock, is often overlooked because of its seeming insignificance; this symbol is the crumpled up paper in Crabbe’s bag. The “crumpled paper” represents all of the bright kids, such as Crabbe, that have scrapped their hopes and dreams because they are made to feel insignificant and unworthy, and feel the need to hide such things. Gym clothes are the final symbol; they are used by Bell to prove that many everyday objects are thrown to the side because the person has no affection for the object given to him/her. Everyone has their own significancies, and in the case of Crabbe one can learn a lot because of Bell: “Before I could protest he yanked my bag out of my hand

The candelabra is a three handed, fake, pointless imitation that has no other use than to divide the family by barrier. Fake, being the main point is significant because it is used to divide the family, and Crabbe’s mother and father are both, to Crabbe, fake; also quite ironic because it is seen as Crabbe’s Mother’s prized possession. Beneath the candelabra and fancy doilies is the overly large oak table that holds the family further apart than they need to be; symbolizes the rich lifestyle, when esthetics are more important than functionality. Adding to the rich lifestyle and how it has affected Crabbe, Mr. Crabbe’s idea of success is money; money is the definition of a symbol. Money is no more than an idea used to keep track of one’s debt; an object used in place for an abstract idea: “My Father took the other line, lecturing me in what he thought was a reasonable voice about how I should use my God-given talents to make something of myself-which meant getting money in large quantities . . .”(Bell). Crabbe is surrounded by a world of symbolism, and many of these symbols add to his need to flee his