Symbols in Allison's

Symbolic Themes in "Gospel Song" by Dorothy Allison “Gospel Song” contains many complex, subtle analogies. Dorothy Allison, the author, repeatedly brings up the same traditional physical manifestations of specific ideas until they become thematic enough that the reader recognizes the symbolism as intentional. Most of these symbolic themes point to the longing pain and loneliness that is the narrator’s perception of life. I will address three themes that do so directly and two that …

…analogy is still clear. If a gospel song is “absolute hopeless grief,” then Shannon’s life reflects this gospel in its purest form and is therefore a saint. Careful diction that gives every word weight and meaning is important in a short story. Allison subtly and repeatedly uses symbols such as fat, chicken and barbecue; liquor; air and breath; clothing; and Shannon Pearl’s shiny whiteness to give only thirty-three pages of story added depth.