Symbolism in The Secret History

Donna Tartt effectively uses symbolism in her novel the Secret History to enhance themes, plot, and build character development. The most reoccurring uses of symbolism are related to darkness and light or good and evil.

In the beginning of the novel, the author adeptly reverses traditional uses of symbolism in regards to nature. The prologue reveals to the reader that a student by the name of Bunny has been murdered. The narrator tells the reader that the murder took place in April. Likewise, the snow that is melting over Bunny's body is thawing with the weather. In fact, Henry replies that he is "looking for new ferns," when asked by Bunny what he is doing (Tartt 4). Normally, spring is associated with growth and birth in literature. However, in this passage, Tartt creates a death in the coming spring. She further complicates her symbolism by the use of melting snow. Traditionally, snow, also a symbol of winter, is associated with death. The melting snow represents a thawing and "dissolving" of the processes of winter. Tartt uses this reverse symbolism to possibly suggest a new "birth" for these culprits. Their heinous action, performed in the dismal April night, suggests that they are awakened to carry the burden of their actions throughout life.

Symbolism in regards to light creates a more dynamic picture of the character's personality. For example, Francis's movement is said to move "like a black bird, his coat flapping dark and crow like in the wind" (Tartt 33). This quote suggests a darker notion to Francis' apparent behavior. However, such "coloring" can also indicate the preferences of the narrator. Camilla is described as having "particularly angelic" hair and other light images (Tartt 62). While Camilla shows no clear efforts of altruism, these passages indicate the narrator's love for Camilla. The other main point of symbolism used in the book is toward older professors. Several professors, especially Dr. Roland, are described as being "mechanical" (Tartt 41). This description of the old, boring sedentary life contrasts with Dr. Marrow's appeal for them to live throughout their emotions. This mechanical description also sets up the broader context for what does it mean to be young compared to maturity in the novel.