Objective correlative meaning

Objective correlative definitions

Objective correlative is a literary term used to describe a specific set of objects, actions, or situations that represent a particular emotion or idea in a work of art, such as a poem, novel, or play. The concept of objective correlative suggests that instead of explicitly stating an emotion, an author can evoke that emotion in the audience by creating a tangible, concrete representation of it.

Origin

The term "objective correlative" was first introduced by T.S. Eliot in his essay "Hamlet and His Problems" in 1919. Eliot used this term to explain how an artist can use concrete objects or events to convey abstract emotions in their work.

Function

By using an objective correlative, an author can create a stronger emotional impact on the audience without directly stating the feeling or emotion they want to convey. Instead, they use a series of tangible elements that evoke the intended emotional response in the reader or viewer.

For example, in a poem about loss and grief, the poet might use images of rain, dark clouds, and wilting flowers to represent sadness and despair without explicitly stating those emotions. The reader can then connect these images with the feelings of loss and grief, creating a more profound and personal experience.

Examples

One famous example of the use of objective correlative is in William Shakespeare's play "Macbeth." The character of Lady Macbeth constantly washes her hands to remove the imaginary bloodstains, representing her guilt and remorse over the crimes she and her husband have committed.

Another example can be found in Virginia Woolf's novel "To the Lighthouse." The lighthouse itself serves as an objective correlative for the characters' longing for meaning, purpose, and connection in their lives.

Objective correlative is a powerful literary device that allows authors to create a deeper emotional impact on their audience by using concrete objects or events to represent abstract emotions or ideas. By evoking the intended feeling through a series of tangible elements, the audience can experience a more profound and personal connection to the work of art.

Objective correlative Examples

1. The filmmaker used the rain and gloomy weather as an objective correlative to the protagonist's sadness.
2. The use of bright colors throughout the painting served as an objective correlative to the artist's optimism.
3. The abandoned house symbolized a sense of loneliness and isolation, acting as an objective correlative in the story.
4. The character's constant fidgeting with a pen became an objective correlative for his nervousness and anxiety.
5. The recurring motif of a broken mirror served as an objective correlative to the character's fractured sense of self.
6. The use of silence in the scene acted as an objective correlative to the tension between the two characters.
7. The character's refusal to make eye contact provided an objective correlative to her guilt and shame.
8. The protagonist's habit of collecting seashells became an objective correlative for her longing for the ocean.
9. The ticking clock in the background acted as an objective correlative to the character's sense of urgency.
10. The dilapidated state of the old mansion served as an objective correlative to the family's dwindling wealth.

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