Symbolism in The Body in the LibraryAgatha Christie's The Body in the Library is a classic murder mystery novel. Although a fun and exciting read, the novel actually has deeper meanings. Through the use of symbolism, Christie reveals some interesting depictions that each constitute a crucial element of the novel. These symbols include the white dress on the murdered body, the library and the dance; each of these elements has a deeper meaning than what one thinks is revealed on the surface. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay When it is revealed that the murdered body found in the library is wearing "a backless evening gown of white sequined satin" (11), it seems like a tiny detail, but through the symbolism, it in actually reveals a lot. For most of the novel, the body is believed to be that of Ruby Keene; It is only in the end that Miss Marple reveals that it is actually that of Pam Reeves. When we think that the body is Ruby's, the symbolism of the color white is invisible. It is only when the body's true identity is revealed that the symbolism of the white dress truly emerges. The color of the dress is representative of Pam's innocence. Her own father said of her: “Pam was just a child. She was very young for her age. She liked games and all that. She was by no means precocious” (122). This description of Pam is very accurate, especially since she was so easily drawn into Josie and Mark's plot. Libraries are often thought to symbolize knowledge and learning and as such, the library is an excellent symbol for Miss Marple. Of course, she has a lot of knowledge about crimes, the world around her, and human nature. It is evident throughout the novel that Miss Marple is far more competent than her male counterparts in the various police forces, and she uses this to her advantage; this also ultimately leads him to solve the crime. Another factor that drives Miss Marple to solve the crime is her desire to learn; which is also the symbol of a library. At the end of the novel, Miss Marple proves her vast knowledge and desire to learn when she tells Clithering and Melchett: "The truth is, you see, that most people – and I don't exclude policemen – are far too confident for this wicked world. They believe what they are told. I never do it. I'm afraid I always like to prove something for myself” (198). The final symbol, and perhaps the most obscure, is the dancing that takes place throughout the novel. The dance symbolizes the discovery of the crime; this is reflected in the many dance partners and the different rhythms they dance to. In the case of partnership, the way each detective partners with another can be compared to the way dancers partner. For example, Ruby and Raymond are often teamed up to dance while Miss Marple and Clithering are often teamed up to solve crime. In another example, dancers perform many different dance styles, some fast and some slow. Detectives uncover clues at varying rates; Sometimes they will find several at once, and sometimes they will only discover one clue. Paces can also be representative of the speed at which detectives can receive information from suspects and witnesses. For example, Edwards has to be convinced to give information while Florence can't speak fast enough. Simply put, solving a crime,.