Symbolism in The Painted Door

The use of symbolism in the story is clearly illustrated through the portrayal of the storm in the story and the hidden meaning behind it. The storm impending as John leaves for his father's farm mirrors Ann’s own impending emotional storm. Throughout the day, as the storm outside becomes increasingly violent, so does Ann’s own emotional state become increasingly distraught. The words applied to the physical storm outside, 'The storm wrenched walls as if to make them buckle in', apply equally to Ann’s own inner state as she struggles against her loneliness, want for excitement and Steven's growing attractiveness. 

Ann’s inability to overcome her emotional storm of strong feelings of isolation and loneliness is what leads to her desperation and ultimately her infidelity. Further, the painted door is a symbol of Ann’s loneliness and hope for change in her life. Ann paints the old, dull door in hopes of it taking her mind off of her sadness and loneliness. The unpainted door symbolizes the dullness of her life and disinterest of her relationship with John. When Ann decides to paint the door this represents her hope to renew and bring excitement into her life with a relationship with Steven. What Ann initially does not realize is that her relationship with Steven will only bring fleeting, superficial excitement to her life which much like how the paint will wear out and only temporarily disguise the old door. Ann’s isolation, loneliness, and later her hope for change led to her impulsive and desperate temptation to Steven and overall caused her ultimate misery when John dies. Finally, Steven is a clear symbol of superficial happiness. 

For Ann, the young, well-groomed, smooth talking and exciting Steven is all that John is not and becomes a symbol of what she feels is missing from her life. What Ann does not realize is that Steven, who is truly cold, insolent, and passionless, only appears to be loving, exciting and loyal to Ann in her moment of desperation. Although Ann’s true sense of values soon reasserts itself and she sees the superficiality of Steven’s attractions in contrast to the genuineness of John’s qualities, her realization comes too late. Ann’s overcoming by the temptation of Steven was clearly caused by her immense loneliness and isolation. The vastness, loneliness, and harshness of the lifestyle which made John slower and duller, also caused Ann to be miserable, dissatisfied and desperate and finally defeats them both.