The use of symbolism within "Rapaccini's
Daughter" is more vital than the tragic love story itself. The story is a
fictional 19th century version of Adam and Eve. Rapaccini’s garden is an
obvious setting for the Garden of Eden. The fountain, which is described so
vividly in the story and referenced many times, brings to mind the Tree of Life
in the middle of the Garden of Eden. Rapaccini being God, the creator of
everything in which surrounds Giovanni and Beatrice when they are together.
Beatrice shows Giovanni around the garden, describing all of the amazing
plants, all created by Rapaccini. Professor Baglioni is the serpent. He brings
Giovanni the antidote, and persuades him to give it to Beatrice. Giovanni
represents Eve, who is the one who presents the item to Beatrice, which leads
to her downfall (death). It is also necessary to point out how Giovanni’s
attitude changed towards Beatrice once he realizes he has been poisoned. If I
remember correctly, Adam expresses his anger towards Eve in a very similar
manner, once he realized the repercussions of eating the forbidden fruit. It is
interesting that Hawthorne switched the gender roles in this story by having
Giovanni be the one who gives the antidote to Beatrice. Perhaps, he did this to
explain the “fall of man” is not placed upon one gender, but rather everyone.
1 comment:
Andrea-
I really liked your blog. The statement, "Perhaps, he did this to explain the “fall of man” is not placed upon one gender, but rather everyone" was very influential and a good insight. I would like to see an expansion of the literal argument in addition to the metaphorical argument. I think the metaphorical argument was very well written and had some good insight. I likes how well you tied in the Garden of Eden in about every aspect of the story.
-Abbie Burton
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