Essay About Harry Van Dusen And William Saroyans Play

The Oyster And The Pearl
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In William Saroyans play The Oyster and the Pearl there is
a lot of symbolism. The theme of the play is to take it easy
and relax and life will be much happier. Harry Van Dusen is
a barber that has a philosophy of “Take it easy.” He tries to
spread his philosophy by talking to people when he is cutting
their hair. It was almost as if the haircuts were just a way of
getting people in the barbershop to talk. The hats that Harry
wore symbolized the attitude that he was in. The sea
symbolizes life. The name of the small town that the story
takes place in is called O.K.-by-the-Sea. That name
symbolizes that life isnt perfect but by taking it easy it can be
more fun. Vivian McCutcheon is a new school teacher that
does everything “by the book.” She just tries to fit in. This is
symbolized by her wanting a poodle haircut. She didnt really
want one but she was trying to be like everyone else. Harry
knew this and that is why he would not give her the haircut.
Harrys philosophy is superior to Vivians philosophy of
fitting in. This is shown by how much happier Harry and
everyone else that lives by his philosophy is than Vivian. All
the little things in the story have symbolism too. The bottle of
sea water stands for the details of life that have to be looked