Symbolism and Destruction of the Ideal
Symbolism is a fundamental cultural concept that represents ideas, values, and beliefs through symbols, which can take the form of objects, colours, gestures, persons, or rituals. Symbols serve as a means of communication and identity. In literature, it is a literary device where objects, characters, or events represent deeper meanings beyond their literal sense. it has played a major role in great literary works like Dante’s Devine Comedy, Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter and George Orwell’s Animal Farm. Symbolism plays an important role in African literature, allowing authors to embed cultural, political, and spiritual meanings into their narratives. They often use symbols to reflect historical struggles, colonial resistance, identity, and the interplay between tradition and modernity. These symbols frequently derive from folklore, nature, and everyday life, making them relatable to readers familiar with African traditions and history. This article explores the use of symbolism in Mongo Beti's novel, Perpetua and the Habit of Unhappiness, focusing on the character of Perpetua as a symbol of political oppression and economic destruction in post-independence Cameroon. By employing behaviourist theory, the analysis highlights how societal pressures condition individuals into habits that perpetuate oppression. Unlike other interpretations that focus on marriage or feminist perspectives, this approach considers Perpetua herself as the primary symbol, reflecting Beti's intention to critique broader societal issues beyond gender.