Hidden in “No Name Woman” are many underlying symbols and motifs, or recurring patterns, that work to shape the story therein which is is and to help create not only the personalities of the characters but also the overall plot of the story. One motif that seems to be prevalent throughout the story is the recurring idea of ​​waste: waste of livestock, human life, and even waste of births. This symbol of waste seems to exaggerate the theme of shame that influences every decision made in the story and not only shapes the No Name Woman but also shapes the narrator's personal life. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay In “No Name Woman,” the idea of ​​something being “wasted” comes up repeatedly. “The night the baby was supposed to be born, the villagers broke into our house,” says Kingston's mother. “The villagers broke down the front and back doors… their knives were dripping with the blood of our animals.” (Kingston 569). The villagers not only slaughtered livestock, but also destroyed many perishable goods and household items, such as bowls, pots, rice, fruits and vegetables. “They tore her clothes and shoes and broke her combs…” as well as overturning “large waist-high earthenware jugs; duck eggs, pickled fruits and vegetables” (Kingston 569). The villagers looted the house and everything in it. They did not enter the house with the intent to plunder or steal property, but simply to destroy everything owned by the Nameless Woman and her family. They spared no possessions as they destroyed everything in the house, purely to shame the Nameless Woman for being pregnant with a child whose father was not the Nameless Woman's husband. How the Nameless Woman became pregnant remains a mystery. At that time, in 1924, her husband was in America; she became pregnant by a man other than her husband, whose identity was not revealed. She was raped or had an affair, neither of which are directly confirmed in the story, but one of which can be interpreted through some contextual clues hidden in the text. Kingston's mother tells her this story as a cautionary tale; a story intended to persuade Kingston to conform to his parents' values. It is intended to discourage young Kingston from having premarital sex and, in the future, outside of marriage. Kingston's mother tells her this story because, hopefully, the fear of humiliation, ostracism, and death will adequately serve as a warning against the consequences of sexual promiscuity. Since Kingston's mother tells her this story to convince her to act in a manner congruent with her parents' principles, it can be concluded that the Nameless Woman became pregnant by committing adultery. The main aspect of this omnipresent motif of waste concerns the waste of the lives of No Name Woman and her daughter when she commits suicide in response to feeling ashamed of the actions and choices she has made. The unnamed woman kills herself and takes her son with her when she jumps into the well. “He had brought his son with him into the desolation” (Kingston 576). Her life and that of her son were both completely wasted because of the decisions No Name Woman made. This is the main manifestation of waste in this short story. Two lives have been wasted because of shame, one of them without the ability to choose for herself. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay A very important question.