Final answer:
In 'The Little Frenchman and His Water Lots', significant symbols include the water lots, the protagonist's name, and a boat. These symbols represent aspects such as gullibility, naivety, and the personal journey of the protagonist. Symbolism and motifs in literature serve to deliver deeper meanings and thematic messages.
Step-by-step explanation:
In 'The Little Frenchman and His Water Lots', symbolism plays a crucial role in delivering the story's message and themes. One of the key examples of symbolism is the water lots themselves, representing the gullibility of foreigners and the manipulative nature of Americans who sell them these non-existent properties. The protagonist's name, Monsieur Poopoo, probably serves as a satirical device, symbolizing the naivety and ill-fortune of the protagonist, as it sounds ridiculous and diminishes his dignity. Lastly, the boat could symbolize the journey or voyage of the protagonist, both literal and figurative, as he navigates through the deceptive waters of real estate and American enterprise.
Symbolism in literature often uses objects, characters, and actions to represent larger ideas and themes. When these symbols appear multiple times, they become motifs, which are important in understanding the underlying messages of the text. Authors like Mark Twain use the natural environment, such as the river and shore in Huckleberry Finn, as a recurring symbol to represent American ideals and the journey towards self-discovery and freedom. Therefore, the recurring elements of nature found in the story are loaded with symbolic value, providing deeper insight into the characters and the overall theme.