Light as a symbol for hope
The major symbol used in the poem "A Walk’’ is the light described by the narrator who takes a walk along a hill. The narrator described in great detail the way in which the light touches the ground and changes the way through which many perceive reality. In this poem, the light is used as a symbol for hope and the way hope can influence a person’s life.
The cage
"The Panther’’ is a poem which focuses on the problems faced by a caged panther which can’t stop itself from pacing in the cage. The panther and the cage are both used here as symbols. The cage is the most important symbol and it represents the problems one may face and which a person may not feel as if they can escape.
Night
In the poem "The Black Cat’’, the narrator describes the behavior of what is called here as being a "mad man’’ who is incapable of controlling himself. This man runs in the middle of the night through the darkness, scaring every person who may stumble upon him. The time of night or rather darkness is used here as a symbol to suggest the mental anguish a person may experience at some point in their lives.
Symbol for a happy and quiet life
In the first stanza of the poem "Before Summer Rain’’, the narrator describes a person sitting in a clearing surrounded by lush green tress. The person in the clearing cannot see what lies behind the trees so the person remains clueless to the possible danger. The green trees are used here as a symbol standing for a happy and carefree life. Because of this type of life, many fail to see the imminent danger lurking just around the corner.
Symbol for problems
One of the characters in the poem "Behind the Blameless Tress’’ is described as having her or his forehead marked by deep wrinkles which the younger generation has yet to develop. The wrinkles are associated with the older generation here and more specifically, whit people who at one point in their lives had to deal with hardships. Because of this, we can assume that the wrinkles are used here as a symbol for problems.
