Symbolism in "The Emperor Jones"

Symbolism refers to the use of representational imagery: the writer employs an image with a deeper, non-literal meaning, for the purpose of conveying complex ideas. “We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are.” Anaïs Nin. In literature, symbolism is the use of a concrete image to represent an abstract idea. Emperor Jones employs symbolic techniques to convey a philosophic view of man, using colorful native life, drum beats, and reversion to jungle savagery. These techniques soften the focus from crude life facts to man's cosmic situation. Stephane Malarme's concept of symbolism emphasizes the art of evoking objects to reveal moods, while experimentalist O'Neill used symbols to interpret themes, make them acceptable, and express mental states, dreams, visions, and inner experiences beyond ordinary speech.

The play's setting, characters, flight through the forest, tom-tom, silver bullet, and crocodile all hold symbolic significance.

Setting

The setting symbolizes nature and primitive consciousness, with the forest representing nature and terror. The flight symbolizes psychological regressive fight from oneself. The stone altar combines sexual and religious symbols, symbolizing physical and spiritual births. Jones's return to primitive stage signifies confidence, terror, and self-destructive actions. The action starts in the afternoon, ends at dawn, symbolizing retribution.

The Color White

In the play, racial tensions are evident as the color white symbolizes power. White people, including Smithers, have real power due to their skin color, while Jones, a black man, is considered less powerful. Jones's decoration of the throne room in his palace is a conscious choice to take on the power inherent to whiteness, but loses it when he vacates. His power comes from outside sources, highlighting the complex dynamics of racial tensions.

Tom-tom

Professor Edwin Engel emphasized the symbolic significance of the tom-tom beats, which symbolize the presence of primitive blood in the camp of the bush niggers. The beat increases in intensity as Jones becomes terror-stricken and his visions become aboriginal. When he is killed with a silver bullet, the tom-tom ceases, symbolizing the inescapable presence of primitive blood in Jones's body.

Jones's Uniform

Jones' ostentatious uniform, symbolizing an emperor's robe, gradually tears as he encounters apparitions in the woods. This disintegration symbolizes his return to humanity, allowing the reader to track his transformation from a godlike figure to a human, allowing them to follow his journey.

The Silver Bullet

The silver bullet symbolizes Jones's reluctance to relinquish his power and emperorship. When he shoots the crocodile god, it signifies his final step in returning to humanity. The fear he experiences with the bullet reveals his true return to humanity, rejecting his godliness and embracing fear.

The Crocodile God

The witch doctor attempts to sacrifice Jones to the crocodile god, but when he becomes overcome with fear, he loses his confidence and good luck charm. He shoots the crocodile with a silver bullet, destroying his godliness and good luck charm, and accepting he's just a human.

O'Neill's play Emperor Jones combines symbolism and dramatic action, featuring Brutus Jones as a universal figure whose terror strikes, while blending symbolism with realism for a more acceptable and concrete experience.