“The House Behind” is a short story written by Charles W. Chesnutt, an African American author who lived during the late 19th and early 20th century. The story is an allegory that explores the themes of race, class, and identity. The story is set in the post-Civil War South, and it follows the lives of two siblings, John and Rena Walden, who are of mixed-race heritage.
The story is told from the perspective of an unnamed narrator who lives in a house behind the Walden’s home. The narrator observes the lives of the Walden siblings and their struggles to navigate the racial and social hierarchies of the time. The story is filled with symbolism and allegory, and it explores the complexities of identity and the ways in which society shapes our perceptions of ourselves and others.
Origins of ‘The House Behind’ Allegory
Historical Context
‘The House Behind’ is a short allegory written by Jhumpa Lahiri. The story was published in The New Yorker in 2010. The allegory is set in the city of Calcutta, India, during the 1970s, a time when the city was experiencing significant social and economic changes. The story is a reflection of the social and economic disparities that existed in India during that time.
Authorship and Publication
Jhumpa Lahiri is an American author of Indian origin. She is known for her works that explore themes of identity, culture, and displacement. Lahiri’s works have won several awards, including the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 2000 for her debut collection of short stories, ‘Interpreter of Maladies.’ Lahiri’s ‘The House Behind’ was published in The New Yorker in 2010 and was later included in her 2013 collection of short stories, ‘The Lowland.’
‘The House Behind’ is a powerful allegory that explores the themes of social and economic inequality. The story is a reflection of the struggles faced by the working class in India during the 1970s. Lahiri’s use of allegory effectively conveys the message of the story, making it a poignant and thought-provoking read.
Main Themes of the Allegory
Duality of Appearance and Reality
One of the main themes of “The House Behind” allegory is the duality of appearance and reality. The story describes a house that appears beautiful and grand from the outside but is actually in a state of disrepair and decay on the inside. This theme is a reflection of how appearances can be deceiving, and how things are not always what they seem. It also serves as a warning against judging people or situations based solely on their outward appearance.
The Nature of Secrets
Another important theme of the allegory is the nature of secrets. The story describes how the wealthy family in the house behind the wall keeps their lavish lifestyle hidden from the rest of society. This theme highlights the power of secrets and how they can be used to maintain social hierarchies and perpetuate inequality. It also shows how secrets can be a burden, as they require constant maintenance and can lead to feelings of guilt and shame.
Societal Critique
“The House Behind” is also a societal critique that highlights the class differences and social upheavals engendered by these differences. The allegory portrays a stark contrast between the wealthy family living in the house behind the wall and the poor people living in the surrounding area. This theme is a reflection of how societal structures can create and perpetuate inequality, and how those in power often use their privilege to maintain their status. It also serves as a warning against the dangers of complacency and the importance of fighting for social justice.
Character Analysis and Symbolism
The House as a Character
In “The House Behind the Cedars,” the house is more than just a physical structure. It is a character in its own right, representing the various identities and secrets of its inhabitants. The house is a symbol of the racial divide that separates the characters, with the white family living in the main house and the mixed-race family living in the smaller, less visible house behind it.
As Rena struggles to navigate her newfound identity as a white woman, the house serves as a constant reminder of her past and her family’s history. The house also represents the societal expectations and limitations placed on women at the time, as Rena must choose between her love for a black man and her desire to fit into white society.
Symbolic Representations
In addition to the house, “The House Behind the Cedars” is filled with other symbolic representations. The title itself is a metaphor for the hidden secrets and identities of the characters. The cedars that surround the house represent the barriers and obstacles that the characters must overcome in order to achieve their goals.
The character of Cinderella is also used as a symbol throughout the novel, representing Rena’s desire to escape her past and start anew. The clock striking at midnight symbolizes the end of Rena’s dream and the harsh reality of her situation.
Overall, “The House Behind the Cedars” is a richly symbolic novel that explores themes of race, identity, and societal expectations. The various symbols and characters work together to create a complex and thought-provoking story that continues to resonate with readers today.
Narrative Structure and Literary Devices
Allegorical Techniques
The House Behind is a prime example of an allegory, a literary device used to represent abstract ideas or moral principles through characters, events, and settings. The story’s narrative structure is designed to convey a deeper meaning beyond its surface level. The use of allegorical techniques, such as symbolism and metaphor, helps to create a sense of mystery and intrigue, while also imparting a moral lesson.
Throughout the story, the characters and events are not meant to be taken literally, but rather as symbols for broader concepts. For example, the house itself represents the human mind, while the woman in front symbolizes temptation. The murder that occurred at the trash cans is a metaphor for the consequences of giving into temptation and making poor choices.
Use of Imagery and Metaphors
The House Behind is rich with vivid imagery and metaphors that add depth and complexity to the story. The use of descriptive language helps to create a sense of atmosphere and mood, while also conveying important thematic elements. For instance, the trash cans represent the waste and decay that can accumulate in the mind when one gives into temptation.
The imagery of the woman in front is also significant, as she is described as having “eyes like a serpent.” This metaphorical comparison to a snake reinforces the idea that she is a symbol of temptation and danger. The use of animal imagery is a common allegorical technique, as animals are often used to represent certain qualities or traits.
Overall, The House Behind is a masterful allegory that uses literary devices such as symbolism, metaphor, and imagery to convey a powerful moral lesson. By using these techniques, the author is able to create a rich and engaging story that resonates with readers on multiple levels.
Interpretations and Reader Reactions
Contemporary Reception
The House Behind is a complex allegory that has received a mixed reception from readers. Some have praised the story for its rich symbolism and thought-provoking themes, while others have criticized it for being too obscure and difficult to understand. Despite this, the story has remained popular among literary enthusiasts and has been the subject of many academic studies.
One of the most common interpretations of The House Behind is that it is a commentary on the nature of power and control. The story’s central characters, the woman and the man, are seen as representations of different types of power: the woman represents the power of the state, while the man represents the power of the individual. The story suggests that both types of power can be dangerous and oppressive, and that true freedom can only be achieved by rejecting them both.
Modern-Day Relevance
The themes of power, control, and freedom explored in The House Behind remain relevant today, and the story continues to resonate with readers. In a world where governments and corporations wield immense power over individuals, the story’s message about the dangers of unchecked authority is more important than ever.
The story also speaks to the human experience of feeling trapped or confined by external forces. Many people today feel powerless in the face of economic, political, or social pressures, and The House Behind offers a powerful allegory for this experience. By identifying with the story’s characters and themes, readers may be able to gain a deeper understanding of their own struggles and find inspiration to resist the forces that seek to control them.
Overall, The House Behind is a complex and challenging allegory that continues to captivate readers with its rich symbolism and timeless themes. While its meaning may be open to interpretation, its message about the dangers of power and the importance of freedom remains as relevant today as it was when the story was first written.
Comparative Literature
Similar Works in the Genre
The House Behind by Joubert is a unique allegorical story that delves into the themes of isolation, fear, and the human condition. Although it stands out on its own, there are a few other works in the genre that share some similarities with it.
One of the most notable works is The Fall of the House of Usher by Edgar Allan Poe. Like The House Behind, it explores the idea of a house as a symbol of the human psyche and how it can be affected by external factors. Both stories also have a gothic and eerie atmosphere that adds to the tension and suspense.
Another work that shares some similarities with The House Behind is Franz Kafka’s The Metamorphosis. Although it is not an allegory, it also deals with themes of isolation and the human condition. The protagonist in The Metamorphosis transforms into a giant insect, which is a metaphor for how he feels disconnected from society and his own family.
Influence on Later Literature
The House Behind has had a significant impact on later literature, particularly in the genre of allegory. It has inspired many writers to explore similar themes and ideas in their own works.
For example, George Orwell’s Animal Farm is often compared to The House Behind because it also uses animals as a metaphor for human society and politics. Both stories also have a clear message about the dangers of power and corruption.
Another work that was influenced by The House Behind is Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s One Hundred Years of Solitude. Although it is not an allegory, it also explores the human condition and the cyclical nature of life. The house in The House Behind can be seen as a metaphor for the town of Macondo in One Hundred Years of Solitude, which is also affected by external factors and undergoes a transformation.
Overall, The House Behind is a unique and thought-provoking allegory that has inspired many writers to explore similar themes and ideas in their own works.