Analysis of Liberty Hall
Short Story Analysis of "Liberty Hall"
In the short story “Liberty Hall,” Ring Lardner contrasted the superior to the inferior—Mrs. Thayer symbolizing the superior and Mr. Drake symbolizing the inferior. Throughout the story, Lardner cleverly utilized literary devices such symbolism and irony to strengthen the plot of the story. These devices did not only enhance the efficiency of Lardner’s work, but they were critical in the short story format. With limited space and time, the writer needed to fully develop a complete story from setting point to denouement and possibly resolution. Lardner used these devices to draw both humor and laughter in “Liberty Hall.” The humor allowed the reader to sympathize and accommodate with the main characters of the story. Without the presence of symbolism and irony, “Liberty Hall” would loose much of its meaning.
As the story began, Mrs. Drake introduced Mr. Drake as a music writer and a conductor who was part of the “Lambs” club. The word “Lambs” was very significant in which it described and symbolized the weakness of Mr. Drake’s characteristic throughout the story. Not only was he weak, he was also acted like a child in front of Mrs. Thayer. His first encounter with Mrs. Thayer was on the limousine, which he was already following her commands. As the Drake’s arrived to the Thayer’s house, they were amazed of the perfection of the house and the room that was assigned to them. As an introduction to the visits, Mrs. Thayer offered Mr. Thayer coffee and asked if he wanted to try her rich cream. Although he rejected to have her cream in his coffee, Mrs. Thayer gave it to him anyway. Like a child, he was defeated by her argument and was not able to demand for another coffee. With a childish mind, he lied to her and said, “The cream is wonderful.”
After coffee, Mr. Drake really wanted to smoke his Jaguar cigar. Once again, Mrs. Thayer stopped him and offered him to smoke her Trump cigar. Although it was the worst cigar he had ever smoked, he continued to follow her command one after another. In this scenery, the word “Trump” was very significant in which it symbolized Mrs. Thayer’s strong personality and superiority toward Mr. Drake. As the story developed, the next symbol that...