The Use of Symbolism in The Paring Knife by Michael Oppenheime

The use of symbolism in short stories enhances the meaning behind the literal meaning that the plot poses. It connects the reader towards visually connecting symbols to particular concepts in the story. In the story, “The Paring Knife” by Michael Oppenheimer, introduces us to two characters whom are lovers yet through the finding of a paring knife under their refrigerator, a past unfortunate event in their relationship begins to unfold. Symbolism is present all through the story, as even the title suggests at first that the paring knife will be symbolic to understand the meaning of the story. Symbolism is prevalent in “The Paring Knife”, to contribute to the overall significance of the short story.

Initially, the author introduces us to the paring knife as the title of the story. By doing this Oppenheimer hints that the paring knife is symbolic to the story. It as itself is a symbol of separation and disconnection. The paring knife is a literal symbol that connects us to the separation that happened between the person telling the story and who this person refers to as “the woman I love”. Upon the finding of the paring knife under the refrigerator, the narrator, tells us that he/she had “since forgotten about it”. The paring knife held that separation that they had encountered that particular night yet had until now been remembered. This contributes to the plot of what their relationship went through .

Furthermore,the paring knife symbolizes the initiation of their disconnection.The narrator explains that the night they fought , they must of “overlooked the knife”. When the author talks about the overlooking of the paring knife, this symbolizes the need to oppress the event that placed them in a distant state of mind that c...

... middle of paper ...

...the the woman “without saying one word” sliding the knife back into the refrigerator. Oppenheimer uses the woman to contribute to the traumatic event that happened that night through using the woman as a symbol for the harm that was done to the woman.

In closing, symbolism used in “The Paring Knife” further helps the reader see the relationship and significance that they contribute. Oppenheimer, uses the paring knife as both a symbol for separation and the negative effects that the knife pose for both of them. The story also uses the repeating action of cleaning as well as a symbol. Nevertheless, the way that the author constructs the character of the woman is of great significance to the overall theme of the story. The symbols used in the short story “The Paring Knife”, by Michael Oppenheimer gives the reader an opening into the overall significance of the story.