What is the Literary Symbol of White? Unraveling Its Deeper Meaning

The Basics of White as a Symbol

Well, let’s start with the obvious: white is often associated with purity, innocence, and cleanliness. I mean, when you think of a wedding dress, it's always white, right? It’s almost like the default "good" color. But is it really that simple? Actually, not always. While white is traditionally seen as a positive, light-filled symbol, its meaning can be a lot more complex depending on the context.

White can symbolize a clean slate, but it can also represent a void, emptiness, or even death. I had a conversation with my friend Sarah the other day, and she pointed out how in certain cultures, white is the color of mourning. That completely threw me off—it's such a stark contrast to how we view it in the West.

The Purity and Innocence of White

Honestly, I think when most people first encounter the color white in literature, they immediately think of purity and innocence. Take, for example, classic stories like The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Remember how the White Witch was this villain, but the concept of her “white” powers was linked to a freezing, lifeless world? Funny how the color that represents purity can also represent coldness and control.

White in Religious Symbolism

In many religious texts and artworks, white is the symbol of purity and holiness. Think of angels, saints, or heavenly beings often depicted in white robes. White is meant to signify a divine connection, something beyond the earthly realm. It can symbolize a state of spiritual clarity or enlightenment. It's like when you look at a blank page—there's a sense of potential, but also, a lot of weight tied to what it could become.

White as Emptiness and Void

But wait—white is not always this simple, positive symbol. In literature, especially in modern works, it can represent emptiness, isolation, and despair. Think of a character walking into a blank, sterile white room. There’s no warmth, no comfort—just an overwhelming sense of nothingness.

I remember reading The Great Gatsby in high school (still one of my favorites). Daisy’s "white" persona comes off as fragile, delicate, and ultimately hollow. White, in this case, represents the shallowness of wealth and the emptiness behind Gatsby's dreams. It’s a powerful reminder that not all that glitters is gold—or in this case, white.

The Concept of "White Noise"

Ever heard of "white noise"? It’s the kind of sound that you don’t really hear, but it fills the background. In a way, white as a literary symbol can carry the same weight. It’s ever-present, but it often hides deeper meaning, leaving the reader or viewer to dig through layers to uncover something more profound.

White as Death and Mourning

Okay, let’s switch gears for a second. In many cultures around the world, white is actually the color of mourning. Now, that’s something that threw me off the first time I learned about it. In China, for example, white is worn at funerals, and it represents the mourning process. The color that we associate with purity in Western culture can represent loss and finality in other parts of the world.

A Personal Reflection on White

I’ve even experienced this contrast myself. Last year, I went to a wedding, and everything was white—except for the funeral wreaths outside the church. Honestly, it gave me the creeps at first because I wasn’t prepared for that kind of symbolism. But then I thought, "Isn’t it fascinating how the same color can embody both celebration and sorrow?" It's that duality that makes white such a compelling symbol in literature.

The Complexity of White in Modern Literature

White's symbolism has evolved so much in modern literature. It’s no longer just a straightforward symbol of purity or innocence—it’s often used to explore themes like alienation, emptiness, and even the struggle for meaning. I can’t help but think of The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga, where the protagonist's escape from his dark, oppressive reality is marked by a symbolic "white" freedom, but with a bitter twist. White here isn't a color of hope—it’s a stark reminder of how far removed the protagonist is from the idealized notion of success.

White as a Contradiction

In the end, white is the color of contradictions. It can symbolize both the absence of something and the potential for everything. It can be a place for new beginnings, but also a place for endings. Just like in life, it seems to offer both clarity and confusion, hope and despair, purity and emptiness.

Conclusion: The Multifaceted Nature of White

So, what's the literary symbol of white? It’s not as clear-cut as it might seem at first. Sure, white can symbolize purity and goodness, but it also carries darker, more ambiguous meanings, depending on the context. The beauty of white in literature lies in its versatility—it can represent a fresh start, a void, a divine presence, or even death. It’s up to you, the reader, to decide how to interpret it. And that’s the beauty of symbolism, right?

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.