Impressions of Symbolism in the Bloody Chamber

The chamber uses natural imagery combined with horror, perhaps trying to symbolize the innocence of women in contrast to the destructive, violence to which Angela Carter embodies men. This perhaps symbolizes the womb, 'naked rock... sweating with fright,' implying that sex will corrupt the womb, therefore corrupting the woman. This links to the womb being compared to Pandora's Box. Whilst shut it is harmless, but once opened, it unleashes all evil. The room is described as ‘designed for desecration’ perhaps referring to Carter’s views on the womb; it is designed for reproduction but she views this as a violent and perhaps unnatural act. The ‘lilies’ are once again mentioned, perhaps implying that although he is not there in physical form, his gaze is still upon her. Phallic symbols are also often used to represent male dominance, such as the ‘key.’ The key is also used to open the violent room, suggesting that without male presence this violence would not exist. ‘The dead lips smiled’ may also be symbolic of how women allow men to dominate and control them, they are complicit in their punishment, suggesting Carter is trying to express that they are somewhat responsible for their fate due to their submission. The entirety of the chamber appears to symbolise the power men have over women and how women allow this.