The Blazing World (Symbol)
The Blazing World itself, which is fantastical, serves as a central symbol in Cavendish's novel. It represents a realm of imagination, creativity, and intellectual exploration. The Blazing World symbolizes the protagonist's desire to escape from the limitations of the natural world and her quest for recognition and validation. It stands for a place where she can exercise her intellectual powers freely and transcend societal constraints.
Hybrids (Symbol)
The presence of half-human, half-animal hybrid species in the novel symbolizes the protagonist's engagement with the natural world and her exploration of the boundaries between human and non-human beings. These animals represent a form of intelligence and knowledge that exists beyond human understanding. They challenge the notion of human exceptionalism and highlight the interconnectedness of all living beings.
Light (Symbol)
Light appears throughout the novel as a symbol of both virtue and knowledge. At the beginning of the text, the narrator explains that the Lady was spared from freezing to death because of her inherent light. Later, as she inquires about the nature of society in the Blazing World, the Empress gains the "light" of knowledge that a society based on curiosity, experimentation, and progress can foster.
Mermaids (Symbol)
The mermaids in the novel symbolize the allure of the unknown and the strange things that can be found in the deep. They embody a sense of otherworldliness and represent the protagonist's longing for exploration and discovery. The mermaids also highlight the fluidity of physical and metaphorical boundaries as they inhabit the spaces between land and sea, human and non-human.
Mirrors (Motif)
Mirrors are a recurring motif in Cavendish's novel. They symbolize self-reflection, self-perception, and the exploration of identity. The protagonist encounters various mirrors throughout her journey in the Blazing World, and each reflection offers her a different perspective of herself. Mirrors represent the multifaceted nature of identity and the idea that external perceptions and societal expectations can influence one's sense of self. They also highlight the theme of self-awareness and the protagonist's constant examination of her thoughts, desires, and ambitions.
