The Symbolism of Windows in the Dead 1914

Khalid Asiri

Abstract: In literature, windows in general symbolize the relief and escape from the pressures of life. If someone looks through a window, he or she is definitely imprisoned with worries, fear or frustration. Standing by the window would make him/her feel peaceful and calm. Windows literally are the visual connection between inside and outside. Some critics believe that windows can symbolize both light and darkness. According to this believe, standing by the window would mean anticipating something bad to happen. In this paper, I will try to explain how windows symbolize the source of light and the bridge to calm and peaceful moments for Gabriel in the short story "The Dead" by James Joyce.

Keywords: symbolize