Language
Consider this sentence which occurs relatively early in the novel: “At a very early period he had begun to accompany his father and mother--and afterwards his mother alone--in their annual visits to the city; where naturally mingling in a large and polished society, Pierre had insensibly formed himself in the airier graces of life, without enfeebling the vigor derived from a martial race, and fostered in the country's clarion air.” It is a beautifully constructed series of words that paints a thematic idea using imagery, metaphor and complexity of sentence structure without relying on particularly difficult word choice much less archaic or abstruse ones. And yet it is unquestionably an example of what might be termed lofty in a sense of trying to overreach for impact and effect. Such a description also adequately applies to Pierre himself, what with his airy grace. The loftiness of the language of the novel itself because through its insistent repetition a symbol representing its title character.
Mary Glendinning
Pierre cannot create a sense of self-identity and commence and continue on his road toward mature development until he breaks from the conventions of social expectations and allow him to consider the violation of certain taboos which will become essential to the story. This symbol of societal constriction winds up—perhaps a little surprisingly—being embodied in his beloved mother, Mary.
The Ambiguities
The novel is subtitled “The Ambiguities” and for a reason. Ambiguity is a persistent theme through the story, but is also played out symbolically. Throughout the book Melville takes pains to create a series of pairings that are placed in opposition to each other. One of the most extreme examples of this symbolism is the juxtaposition of the irrefutably homoerotic relationship between Pierre and Glen which is described as a “more than cousinly attachment” and the actual incestuous relationship with the sister he never knew he had.
Dante
The repeated allusions to Dante serve to become a symbolic motif for the descent into hell being undertaken by Pierre. In addition there is also a symbolic connection between the Beatrice as Dante’s ideal and perfect woman and Pierre’s feelings toward Isobel.
Hamlet
The other classic work of literature which recurs frequently throughout the book as object of reference is Hamlet. The symbolism of this motif will be obvious even to those only barely familiar with Shakespeare’s tragedy upon reading the story of ambiguous decision-making processes manifested by Pierre.
