Symbolism, Imagery and Allegorical Elements Anantha Murthy’s Samskara

Abstract

Anantha Murthy’s Smaskara is a manifestation of symbolism, allegory and the use of imagery. It has shown the real picture of south Indian Brahmins. It has been considered as an allegory of superstitions backwardness and downfall of Brahmanism. The beauty of this novel is that the novelist has presented the reality through symbolic characters and myth. Praneshacharya is the symbol of orthodox and traditional Brahmanism that was prevalent at that time and which is also exist at the present period. Naranappa is the symbol of apostacy. Even in the figures of speech, he has used wordy images. But before we discuss the use of imagery, symbolism and myth, we should have clear cut idea about the meaning of symbolism, imagery and myth. Symbolism means the representation of hidden ideas and hidden concept by using some more symbols for its symbolism, as an attitude of the human mind in its approach to the material thought and idea, and to give real meaning has been relevant since the beginnings of writings.