"The Member of the Wedding" by Carson McCullers

Paper Summary:

This paper centers on the character of Frankie Adams' incomplete development and the symbolic use of music in Carson McCullers' classic novel "The Member of the Wedding." One of the most important examples of how the author uses music to signify Frankie's development is illustrated through the jazz horn in part one of the book while in part two the music of the piano foreshadows her progression towards maturity. This paper also examines how music signifies Frankie's instability within herself and the world around her.

From the Paper:

"In part two of the novella, the music of the piano also foreshadows Frankie's progression towards maturity. As the neighbor's piano is being tuned, it carries out the sound of interrupted music. With every repeated stop and start, it shows the music is out of Frankie's control. Because the music is disoriented, it represents the unpredictable ways of Frankie not finishing her transition to young adulthood. The musical references symbolize the confusion and chaos Frankie associates with her transition in the world."

More papers on "The Member of the Wedding" by Carson McCullers:

• Analytical Essay # 65310 : "The Member of the Wedding"
• Book Review # 93841 : "The Member of the Wedding"
• Analytical Essay # 21610 : "McCullers' "The Member of the Wedding" and Donofrio's "Riding In Cars With Boys"

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