Jenny’s Drawings as a symbol of True Self
When Denis had discovered the satirical sketches made by Jenny, he was deeply offended. During his stay at Chrome, he was persuaded that his inner thoughts and insecurities were perceived by nobody but himself. So when Jenny’s notebook revealed to him her full awareness of his jealousy, self-consciousness, and timidity, he felt exposed and more insecure than ever. To his disappointment, his true self was not as secure as he thought from the eyes of the outer world. Jenny could see the real him, and if she did then so could Anne and the rest of the guests as well. Thus, Jenny’s red notebook with its satirical sketches is a symbol of true self.
Denis’ White Trousers as a symbol of Timidity and Irresolution
Throughout the book, Denis is portrayed as a timid young man with very little self- confidence and assertiveness. Twice in the novel, did Anne Wimbush comment on a white pair of trousers he had worn. But instead of using the compliment to his advantage, Denis was rather abashed wishing he had never worn the aforesaid item of clothing. Accordingly, it was his lack of assertiveness and excessive self-consciousness which led his romance towards tragedy. Instead of directing his steps forward in the path he had drawn for himself, the young poet was imprisoned within the bars of his own fears and embarrassment. It is important to note that Anne’s address towards Denis was an ambiguous one. Therefore, his failure in love is attributed entirely to the shy nature of his character. Had his treatment of the girl altered but a little in the direction of a more open and honest address, there would have been a great chance of winning her love and affection. Thus, the white trousers stand in the novel as a symbol of Denis’ own timidity and irresolution. They were a blank that could have been filled with anything, but Denis only filled the vacant space with anxiety and uncertainty.
Anne’s Flirtatious Behavior as a Motif of Human Complexity
Anne Wimbush is depicted as a flirtatious young woman who uses her charms and appeals to allure the two young men who are in love with her in the book. Her intentions are hard to understand even to herself. When Gombauld had confronted her, for instance, saying that she ought to stop flirting with the young Denis, she felt offended with the painter and shy, for the first time, around the poet. Later on in the story when Denis was announcing to his fellow guests his intention of leaving to London, Anne was genuinely disconcerted wanting him to remain. Thus, Anne’s character and behavior fit in as a motif to develop the idea of human complexity, and how it is hard to even understand oneself sometimes.
The Superficiality of Human Interaction
Superficiality is a key motif in the novel. It can be noted in both characters and setting. The house, for instance, is described as being furnished with fashionable pieces of art that are actually “boring”. They were merely put there for show, as neither Henry nor Priscilla were attracted by craft or interested in art. The same applies to the relationships between the characters. The party assembled at Chrome was a small one. What is more, it was formed mainly by the joining of old friends; people who knew each other already. And yet, the connection between them was very shallow. Isolated in their own psychological conflicts, the characters failed to establish a truthful link with one another, which points to the superficiality of human interaction in spite of the complexity of human thoughts and ideas.
Chrome’s Yearly Charity Fair as an Allegory to Life
The charity fair in Chrome is used as a literary device operating on two levels. On the one hand, the characters are involved in this event in accordance with the storyline. On the other, the emphasis of the allegory is placed on the abstract idea that the fair itself is symbolic for life. On the eve of the event, the characters are seen preparing and exchanging about it. Each of them gets to play a given role in it; a role that has nothing to do with their true selves sometimes. Jenny who is partly deaf in real life, for instance, gets to be a drummer in the fair. Anne, in spite of her modernity, chooses to serve in the tea tent and entertain people as the old hostesses of Victorian days used to do. In this manner, the yearly charity fair at Chrome is allegorical of real life and the positions that each individual holds in it.
