Concrete and Abstract images?

[NissanSkylineN1]

Hey guys,

So in English class we were told about concrete and abstract images. However, I don't seem to understand some of the stuff, and have some questions:

1) If Concrete image is a tangible object in a story, then whats the difference between that and a tangible item that's symbolic?

2) If an abstract image is something not tangible, but a mood/environment, whats the difference between that and a theme?

 

[Danny]

1) If Concrete image is a tangible object in a story, then whats the difference between that and a tangible item that's symbolic?

A concrete image can be symbolic. Symbolism can be either concrete or abstract, it's more an idea than a physical or abstract object. An example of this would be the lampshade in A Streetcar Named Desire. There is a lampshade that when used, alters Blanche's appearance (it's been a while since I've read it, I think it's the shadows it makes or something). The lampshade is the concrete image. It exists, it's tangible. The effect of it casting shadows, and therefore the lampshade itself; is symbolic of her hiding her true self through distortions.

2) If an abstract image is something not tangible, but a mood/environment, whats the difference between that and a theme?

It's a bit of a grey area and open to some interpretation, but to my knowledge an abstract image such as you've described, would be a short-term inference of a current mood or circumstance. An example of this would be Pathetic Fallacy. If a character is sad, the authors sometimes use rain or harsh weather conditions to reflect this. However, a theme is more long-term, usually something recurring that features throughout the literature piece as a whole. A theme would more likely be something that sums up the feel and message of a piece as a whole, and is usually an abstraction. For example, the colour green in The Great Gatsby. It appears intermittently and stands for money and jealousy. 'Green' itself is not a tangible thing unless you're referring to the narcotic, which I presume Tennessee Williams was not.

I hope this helps.

 

[lbsf1]

'Green' itself is not a tangible thing unless you're referring to the narcotic, which I presume Tennessee Williams was not.

I question that part. What about US banknotes. They are green(ish)

However the rest of your post sums it up quite well.

 

[Danny]

I question that part. What about US banknotes. They are green(ish)

Ah, here is where it gets a bit trickier. Money is both a concrete and abstract image in the novel. While it's not physically there (there are no reference to people physically holding cash), the entire novel's environment is where all the characters are pretty wealthy. So while we don't see it, we know it's there.

However, I was referring to the other instances, such as the green light across the bay. Little signifiers here and there that hint subtly at the overlying themes. The colour green itself is symbolic, and not something that can be touched or felt.

 

[photonrider]

Wow - Danny, a lot more to you than just stubble.

Let me add (if it helps):
Symbolism = Subjective metaphor abstracted from Object.
Symbol = Object tangibly concrete subjected to the abstraction.

 

[NissanSkylineN1]

Thank you so much Danny. I finally get it.👍