Marion is a symbol of class mentality
While in college, George meets Marian, and he falls in love with her. George is sanguine that he will marry Marion and settle down with her. Paradoxically, at first, Marion refuses his marriage proposal because he comes from a low-income family. Marion ignores to look at the potentiality of George becoming a successful man in the future but decides to turn down his proposal. Consequently, Marion symbolizes a class mentality in which poor people are barred from marrying partners from well-off families. However, at last, George marries her and ends up being a rich man. The symbol of class mentality reminds readers not to judge a person by his current circumstance.
The symbolism of buoyancy
The intriguing question in the text is 'What does a man need to succeed in life?' Edward is George's strange uncle who is possessed with the idea of getting rich and successful. Edward's thoughts are occupied with the strong zeal for making money to get out of poverty. The determination to succeed pushes Edward to innovate a healing elixir, which later took the market by surprise. In the end, Edward emerged as the richest and most respected man for his innovation. Therefore, Edward is a symbol of buoyancy and resilience.
The wages of sin
Edward's downfall symbolizes the wages of sin. Paradoxically, Edward's success is based on the pretense that his innovation is super effective in healing diseases. Edward's Tono-Bungay business enterprise is a wretch because, at last, it collapses, leaving him in huge debt and despair. Later, Edward dies of stress as he tries to escape from England to Africa. Consequently, Edward paid his wages of sin by an untimely death.
The ariship
The airship in "Tono-Bungay" symbolizes the reckless pursuit of profit and the moral indifference that can accompany the quest for commercial success. It is initially promoted as a grand spectacle, representing the allure of progress and innovation. However, the disastrous accident that occurs later in the novel exposes the dangers of unchecked capitalism and the willingness to sacrifice human lives for financial gain. The airship thus serves as a stark reminder of the moral and ethical consequences of prioritizing profit above all else.
The country estate
The country estate in "Tono-Bungay" symbolizes social status and the middle-class aspiration to move up the social hierarchy. It represents a form of success that George and his family strive to attain. The estate embodies the desire for a more elevated and refined lifestyle associated with the upper class. However, it also highlights the challenges and moral compromises that come with the pursuit of social status, illustrating the complex relationship between wealth, authenticity, and societal expectations in the novel.
The yellow vial
The yellow vial in "Tono-Bungay" symbolizes the allure of the unknown and the transformative potential of science and technology. It represents the promise of progress and innovation, as well as the temptation to embrace untested advancements. Throughout the novel, the vial holds a mysterious substance, embodying the idea that scientific discovery can bring both hope and danger. It serves as a reminder of the complex and sometimes perilous nature of human pursuit in the name of progress, with the potential for both positive and negative consequences.
The Ponderevo family house
The Ponderevo family house in "Tono-Bungay" symbolizes tradition and the older generation's values. It stands as a physical representation of the past and the established way of life. Within the narrative, the house serves as a backdrop to the generational conflict between the older characters, like Aunt Susan, who uphold traditional values, and the younger characters, like George, who are drawn to the allure of material success and social mobility. It highlights the tension between generations and the changing societal norms of the time.
The hot air baloon
The hot air balloon in "Tono-Bungay" symbolizes a temporary escape from the constraints and artificiality of the characters' lives. When Marion and George ride in the balloon, it represents a brief moment of genuine connection and adventure. It symbolizes their yearning for authenticity and a departure from the commercialism and materialism of their world. The balloon ride embodies a fleeting sense of freedom and the possibility of a more authentic and meaningful existence amidst the societal pressures and illusions of the time.
