The Blithedale Romance

The Blithedale Romance Symbols, Allegory and Motifs

Zenobia's Flower (Symbol)

Zenobia's flower is a symbol of her sexuality, her wildness, and her inability to be fettered by society's expectations.

Priscilla's Purses (Symbol)

Priscilla's little purses are symbolic of her secretiveness, as well as (perhaps) her inaccessible sexuality.

Coverdale's hermitage (Symbol)

Coverdale's hermitage is symbolic of his desire to isolate himself so he can watch and judge his friends.

Pigs (Motif)

The pigs pop up several times in the text - first, as an annoying indication of the practical aspects of living together in a community, and second, as a way in which to view Coverdale in the city - languid, covered in (metaphorical) filth, looking out at the world to then slink away, doing as little as possible. They are earthy creatures.

Veils (Motif)

Veils are ever-present in the text, from the "Silvery Veil" story to the Veiled Lady herself, to the veils the characters drape on themselves as they role-play in the woods. Veils conceal and liberate at the same time, something nearly all the characters are trying to do throughout the text. Veils are also associated with female allure and sexuality.