Textual Genres and Literary Symbolism in Broken Mirror

Textual Genres

Textual genres encompass various forms of communication, each characterized by distinct features and purposes. These include:

• Description
• Narration
• Explanation
• Reasoning
• Prediction
• Instruction
• Rhetorical talk and text

Informal Record

Colloquial

• Theme: General
• Channel: Oral
• Intentionality: Subjective
• Degree of formality: Low

Formal Records

Standard

• Topic: General
• Channel: Written / Oral
• Intentionality: Objective
• Degree of formality: Medium

Scientific and Technical

• Focus: Specialized
• Channel: Written or oral
• Intentionality: Objective
• Degree of formality: High

Literary

• Topic: General
• Channel: Written
• Intentionality: Subjective
• Degree of formality: High

Literary Analysis of Broken Mirror

Broken Mirror is a novel divided into three parts, narrating the beginning and end of the Valldaura-Farriols family, representing a specific time and country.

• The first part consists of eighteen chapters, introducing the characters and setting the stage.
• The second part, divided into twenty-one chapters, explains external events and delves into the characters' inner lives.
• The last part, with thirteen chapters, continues the family's story.

Symbolism in Broken Mirror

The Tower

The Tower acts as a living entity, mirroring the characters' lives. It symbolizes the passage of time and adult life, contrasting with the garden, which represents childhood.

The Garden

The garden within the tower represents youth and childhood. The laurel tree in the garden symbolizes death, as it falls on the beam where Maria, the quintessential child figure, commits suicide.

The Pond

The small pond in the garden also symbolizes death, as it is where James drowns. Water is a recurring symbol of death in the novel, also seen in Ramon's strange illness.

Other Symbols

• The Japanese Cabinet: Represents the passage of time and decay, as it is repeatedly seen with a moth and old furniture.
• The Mirror: Acts as a witness to the lives of the characters.
• The Dove and the Pearl: Symbols of death, with the pearl being taken by Teresa from Salvador.
• Flesh-colored Roses: Refer to Teresa.
• Red Roses: Refer to Attorney Riera.
• The Rat: In the final chapter, symbolizes the decline and end of the family.