The Drama of Repetition The Lampshade: Exploring the Symbolism of a Simple Object

Repetition is a powerful tool in drama, often used to emphasize a theme or symbol. The lampshade is one such symbol that has been repeated in literature and film, often with a deeper meaning.

In the novel 'The Lampshade' by Jacqueline T. Lynch, the protagonist inherits a lampshade from her grandmother. The lampshade is a recurring motif throughout the book, representing the protagonist's connection to her roots and family history. The repetition of the lampshade symbolizes the cyclical nature of life and the importance of preserving traditions.

The lampshade is also used in the film 'The Hours' as a symbol of the fragility of life and the inevitability of death. In the movie, the main character purchases a lampshade and comments on its delicate beauty. Later in the film, the same character is shown dying of AIDS, highlighting the contrast between the beauty of life and the harsh reality of mortality.

Another example of the lampshade as a symbol is in the play 'A Streetcar Named Desire' by Tennessee Williams. The character Blanche DuBois is often associated with the image of a lampshade, representing her fragile mental state and her attempts to hide her true self from the world. The repetition of the lampshade image throughout the play emphasizes the theme of illusion versus reality and the destructive power of denial.

Repetition is a powerful tool in drama, and the lampshade is just one example of a symbol that has been used to great effect. Whether representing family history, mortality, or mental fragility, the lampshade remains a potent symbol that has stood the test of time.