Comment on the Style and Symbolism Used in the Story ‘The Empty Chest’
The short story The Empty Chest, written in Telugu by Volga and translated into English, uses a unique combination of narrative style and symbolism to highlight themes of gender roles, personal transformation, and societal expectations. The story’s minimalistic yet emotionally charged style, along with powerful symbols, offers deep insight into the protagonist’s struggle and self-discovery.
1. Narrative Style
The story is written in a simple and straightforward narrative style. There is no excessive description or elaborate language. Instead, the focus is on the protagonist’s inner life and emotional journey. The tone is reflective and quiet, which mirrors the emotional numbness the protagonist feels at the beginning. As the story progresses, the tone gradually shifts to one of clarity and strength, reflecting the character’s transformation.
Volga uses internal monologue and limited third-person narration to keep the reader closely connected to the protagonist. This technique creates intimacy and allows the reader to experience the protagonist’s realization about her body, identity, and societal conditioning in a personal way.
2. Use of Symbolism
The most significant symbol in the story is the “empty chest.” At a physical level, it refers to the protagonist’s body, which does not conform to societal expectations of femininity. But at a deeper level, the empty chest symbolizes the emptiness imposed by patriarchal standards and the pressure to fit into rigid gender roles.
Throughout the story, the chest becomes a metaphor for societal expectations of womanhood. The absence of fullness in the chest challenges the idea that a woman’s value lies in her ability to fulfill traditional roles like motherhood and sexuality. The protagonist initially feels ashamed, but gradually she comes to understand that her worth is not defined by her physical appearance.
3. Emotional and Psychological Symbolism
The chest also symbolizes emotional strength. When the protagonist starts to see her body not as incomplete but as unique, the empty chest becomes a sign of personal freedom. It marks the moment she begins to reject the image that society has imposed on her. This transformation is central to the story’s message of empowerment.
Another symbol is the mirror. It represents self-perception and how it is shaped by society. In the beginning, the protagonist avoids the mirror, unable to face her own reflection. But by the end, the mirror becomes a symbol of acceptance, as she starts seeing herself through her own eyes rather than through society’s judgment.
4. Role of Dialogue and Silence
The limited use of dialogue and the dominance of silence are stylistic choices that reflect the protagonist’s inner isolation. The lack of external conversation forces the reader to focus on the internal journey. This silence becomes a space for introspection and growth. It is within this silence that the protagonist gains the strength to reject societal norms and embrace herself fully.
Conclusion
In conclusion, The Empty Chest uses a subtle narrative style and rich symbolism to convey a powerful message about gender identity and personal liberation. The story challenges traditional notions of femininity through the metaphor of the chest and uses simple yet emotionally effective language to highlight the protagonist’s journey of self-acceptance. Volga’s work is a testament to how literature can challenge norms and give voice to silenced experiences.