Briefly comment on the use of symbolism in Birago’s Vanity.
Some instances of symbolism abound in the poem. ‘Dead’ for instance represent our ancestors or forefathers. They represent the past generation. On the other hand, “unworthy sons’ is symbolic of the present generation characterized by restiveness, rebellion and outright disobedience. The reference to “voices of beggars” represent the downtrodden, the deprived and helpless members of society; the “clumsy voices” as in masquerade performance. Finally, “sobbing hearts” represent “wounded spirits”, full of regrets. The poem is indeed very symbolic as it draws a line between the dead and the living.