The Symbolism of Nature

Nature is a common thread of symbolism in both movies and books alike. For instance, the seasons of nature often help to give the reader deeper understanding about the significance of a scene or the meaning behind someone's actions. For instance, winter is often used to represent a time of death or sorrow. Spring, on the other hand, often indicates rebirth, life, or purity. 

   

For example, Frankenstein by Mary Shelly incorporates a lot of references to season in the fifth chapter of the novel. At first, it's easy to miss these quick mentions, but upon deeper inspection, the number of references and the time of the references indicates their significance. Many of the references to nature come at a turning point in the narrator, Frankenstein's, life. When Frankenstein finally recovers from his month-long illness, springtime is just blooming.

“I remember the first time I became capable of observing outward objects with any kind of pleasure, I perceived that the fallen leaves had disappeared, and that the young buds were shooting forth… It was a divine spring, and the season contributed greatly to my convalescence.” In this passage, the narrator’s health and risen spirits are directly linked to the feelings of hope and peace that naturally come with spring.

But symbolism in nature isn't just used in literature… It’s also often uses in movies (of course)! One of the best animated movies of all time, Mulan, also utilizes the seasons to represent turning points in the character’s lives. Mulan has never been like other girls, but when she disappoints her family because of her horrendous meeting with the match-maker, she’s completely distraught. She runs away to find solace underneath the cherry tree in her garden, where her father comes to comfort her. Spring has already arrived, and the cherry tree is completely covered in blossoms. However, Mulan’s father immediately spots a blossom that hasn’t opened yet.

 “Look!” he exclaimed. “This flower is late. But I bet that when it blooms, it will be the most beautiful flower of all.” Little does Mulan know that this flower represents the metamorphosis that she’s about to go through. This moment with her father is an important turning point in her life. She’s about to undertake a journey that will mature her into the woman she truly is—even if she’s later than others.