Symbolism And Symbolism In Jane Campion's The Collector

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Unlike The Piano, The Collector uses an animate (albeit, dead) object to symbolise Miranda and her inevitable future; a butterfly. However, this symbol is more of a recurrent motif and not something the reader can trace as the beginning of obsession. However, it still acts as the symbol and pre-figurative device through which the reader can infer Miranda’s future including her capture and imprisonment. The visual aspect of the butterfly and the concept of pinning it down to spread its wings and then photograph it from every angle for science definitely finds shocking visual parallels in Frederick’s obsessive behaviour. Unlike The Collector, where the butterfly is used to symbolise Miranda unable to escape, Jane Campion uses Ada’s piano as a symbol for Ada’s expression and allows the audience to see her passion and emotion when she plays it. The …show more content…

The quote also highlights the delusional qualities in Frederick as he truly believes that she is his “guest” and emphasises his obsessive nature – “that was all I cared about.”. Similarly, the male antagonist in The Piano, Stewart, exerts control over Ada. Campion uses Stewarts axe to symbolise his very physical and literal sense of control. This symbolic meaning of the axe is further enhanced when Flora delivers a forbidden message to him. A close up depicts Stewart gripping the act tightly and holds it poised, symbolising that he holds power, and is about to use it. Stewart uses this deadly symbol of his power and asserts his control over Ada. He uses the axe to hack away at her piano, symbolising his breaking of her will, and continues to destroy her possessions whilst shouting ‘“I trusted you!”’, reinforcing the idea that every aspect of Ada’s life is under Stewarts

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