Bertha's mind has created an illusion of bliss in her life. Blinded by her illusion, she convinces herself of the happiness surrounding her actually exists, when really, this happiness is just a figment of her imagination. Two key symbols that reflect the reality of Bertha's life are the pear tree and the two cats. First, the pear tree is vibrant and colourful, so Bertha compares her life to the tree. The reality of Pearl slowly taking the place of Bertha is revealed when the moon transforms the vibrant tree colour to grey, thus, demonstrating the replacement of Bertha by Pearl. "It would be silver now, in the light of poor dear Eddie's moon, silver as Miss Fulton, who sat there..." This shows Bertha's vibrant and happy life is nothing more than a mere illusion, and Pearl is gaining control of it. Furthermore, the black and grey cats prove to be key symbols in Bliss. She encounters a curious shiver at the first sight of these cats, which gives you an idea that these cats are of some significance. "The sight of them, so intent and so quick, gave Bertha a curious shiver." The implication of these cats is, the grey cat represents Pearl and the black cat represents Harry. The black cat seems to follow the grey cat around which symbolizes the affair Harry is having with Pearl. "A grey cat, dragging its belly, crept across the lawn, and a black one, its shadow, trailed after." In conclusion, the illusion of Bertha's blissful life is countered by the symbols that reflect the reality. The pear tree and the cats each reflect the reality of Bertha's life. The pear tree represents Pearl replacing Bertha and the cats represent the ongoing affair between Harry and Pearl. Bertha's life is actually full, but only of illusions and deceit.
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