# 33. Table of Figure Symbolism in Goethe's Fairy Tale

[line-identical transcription:] River: The plight, the embarrassment; in general, any difficult task. The fluidity of life. The obstacles of life.

Ferryman: mechanical work. industry. the state of nature. pure sensual activity.

Will-o'-the-wisps: light mind. genius. bel esprit. nobility. their names are legion. the tempter from the beginning. simulators. sophists. dandies and parasites.

Gold: appearances.

Snake: industry and speculative spirit. Imitation. Reason in general. Civilization. The people.

Man with the lamp: imagination. Prudence. Reason.

Cave: nature.

That man's wife: The narrow-minded mind. The faith. The common sense.

Cabbage heads: Reality.

Young man: The passion. Humanity. Humanness.

Giant: public opinion, prejudice, the law. Madness. Slovenliness.

Lily: caprice, fantasy. Truth. The graces. Femininity.

Pug: loyalty. Sensuality.

Canary: Lyrical poetry. Singing without feeling. Hawk: Favor from above, a lucky moment. Providence, augur. Holy Ghost, genius. The power of intuition and representation.

Harp: Singing with feeling.

Temple: Pleasure and tranquility as the ultimate purpose of life. Of reason. The union of all forces.

Three Kings: The most necessary qualities of government.

The fourth: These qualities informally combined.

June 24, 1896