Symbolism In How To Read Literature Like A Professor

In the book How to Read Literature Like a Professor by Thomas C. Foster, the author identifies and explains many different literary analysis concepts over the course of 27 chapters. In chapter twelve titled “Is That a Symbol”, Foster discusses the significance of symbols in literature and how they add depth and complexity to a story. The chapter solidifies the fact that symbols can be objects, characters, settings, or even actions that carry deeper meanings beyond their literal representation. Skipping Christmas by Josh Grisham is a Christmas novel that follows the story of the Kranks, Luther and Nora, a married couple who decide to skip the traditional festivities of Christmas and take a vacation on a cruise instead. In the novel, there are

This particular theme is symbolized by the “Frosty the Snowman” statue. Since the Kranks’ neighbors all expected everyone in the neighborhood to participate in the annual tradition of putting the holiday statue on their roofs, the statue ended up serving as a powerful representation of conformity and tradition. In the beginning, the neighbors strongly disapproved of the Kranks' decision to skip Christmas and not put up the Frosty statue on their rooftop. The neighbors even attempted public humiliation by talking to the news and allowing news reporters to take pictures of the barren house from their property across the street. Both of these acts from the neighbors were attempts to get the Kranks to conform to what they believed to be an important tradition for everyone. The Frosty statue, in this context, symbolizes the pressure to conform to societal norms and traditions during the holiday season. Foster explains in his book that symbols can be cultural or universal, and the Frosty statue's significance in Skipping Christmas goes beyond the story's setting. It completely embodies the expectations and conventions tied to Christmas celebrations in many cultures, where there is an unspoken rule of adhering to certain rituals and customs, and anyone who chooses to be different is treated as a social pariah. The Kranks' decision to not set up the Frosty statue becomes an act of rebellion against these

The Kranks’ home was once filled with joy and excitement during the holiday season, but after their daughter left, it felt empty and devoid of its traditional festive spirit. The Kranks felt that there would be “lots of depression during Christmas” (Grisham, 17). This symbolizes the loneliness and isolation that can come with breaking away from established traditions and how having family around can change how a person feels about these traditions and normalities. As the story progresses, the absence of Blair during Christmas becomes a catalyst for Luther and Nora's internal conflicts. Foster discusses how characters' actions and decisions can be symbolic of deeper emotions and desires. In the case of the Kranks, Luther and Nora's decision to skip Christmas reflects their desire for change and adventure in their lives. It represents their need to experience something new and different, symbolizing their longing to break away from the monotonous routine of predictable holiday