Topic > Truman Capote: the true nature of a little girl in "Miriam"

IndexThe symbolism between Miriam and Mrs. Miller's charactersAnother unrealistic aspect of the little girl: it is her backgroundConclusionTwo people, one name: an inconspicuous and simple woman against a young balanced girl. A line is drawn between imagination and reality, but that line is blurry. In “Miriam” by Truman Capote, symbolism is incorporated to show that Mrs. Miller experiences the past in the present. A simple child is used to represent the disturbing and distorted forces of human nature, and the exposure of one's true instincts is highlighted through realization and comparison. In many ways, Miriam's distinctive character symbolizes the onset of a mental illness, schizophrenia, which leads to the destruction of Mrs. Miller's subconscious. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Symbolism Between Miriam and Mrs. Miller's Characters To begin, Miriam's appearance separates her from typical children. She has silver-white hair and dresses in a “tailored plum velvet coat,” which complements the elegance in the way she is positioned (Capete 3). His eyes are “hazel, steady, devoid of any childish quality,” presenting a confident and strong-willed character (Capet 7). At the same time, this behavior also suggests a loss of purity and innocence, because the experience may have retreated the bright sparkle that once was in his eyes. Demonstrates a large vocabulary and speaks as if possessing the mind of an adult; this highlights Miriam's unrealistic qualities. From another point of view Miriam may also be a trace of old Mrs. Miller, when she was not alone. In the process of maturity, Mrs. Miller faces withdrawal from the real world, where she really does nothing but punish herself. This aspect of the story represents an “imaginary revenge of the boy after graduation” (Fielder 61). The young figure of Mrs. Miller is returning to the past because it has overwhelmed her all this time, yet she still refrains from hallucinations. Here the real signs of his schizophrenia are presented, linked to Miriam's problems. In this story, the figure of a child symbolizes the irresistible forces of evil and distortion, as Mrs. Miller is unable to escape the grasp of the little girl. Miriam initially arrives at Mrs. Miller's door in the middle of the night in a white silk dress (Capete 9). The timing creates a mysterious and eerie atmosphere, and his visit serves as a parallel to the coming of the darkness. Gradually, Mrs. Miller's schizophrenic nature comes to life and she imagines that Miriam is taking control of her life. The young apparition serves as a “primordial alter ego for Mrs. Miller: an extension of her destructive, unconscious instinct” (Whissen 56). Although the disease has not emerged, it can be seen that the woman is falling into the trap set by Miriam. Unable to avoid Miriam or even face her, Mrs. Miller lets the force take over. If Mr. Miller were still around, Miriam would not have been summoned; his absence is the major bane of Mrs. Miller's life. Therefore, the replacement with Miriam is a reminder that Mrs. Miller cannot live without human interactions. Another unrealistic aspect of the little girl: is her background. Miriam goes to the cinema alone and asks Mrs. Miller to buy a ticket for her instead of having a parent do it for her. Furthermore, he goes around at midnight and even drops by Mrs. Miller's house, which is not in the directory. When asked, "Your mother knows where you are, right?" does not respond (Capete 7). This statement indicates.