“A Handful of Clay” by Henry van Dyke: A Critical Analysis

Introduction: “A Handful of Clay” by Henry van Dyke

An allegorical short story, “A Handful of Clay” by Henry van Dyke first appeared in 1894 and was later included in his collection Little Rivers. It follows a humble lump of clay on a transformative journey. Employing evocative imagery and a touch of wonder, van Dyke explores profound themes of self-discovery, the acceptance of one’s fate, and the inherent beauty found even in the most ordinary objects.

Main Events in “A Handful of Clay” by Henry van Dyke

1. Aspiring Clay: A common clay by a riverbank dreams of greatness, envisioning a significant role in the world.
2. Nature’s Encouragement: Surrounded by the beauty of nature, including whispering trees and joyful flowers, the clay feels inspired and validated in its aspirations.
3. Departure and Journey: The clay is taken from its familiar riverbank setting, beginning a journey filled with uncertainties and challenges.
4. Enduring Trials: Despite facing rough treatment during mixing and molding, the clay maintains hope for a noble purpose.
5. Transformative Process: On the potter’s wheel, the clay undergoes a dizzying but transformative experience, symbolizing growth and change.
6. Trial by Fire: Subjected to intense heat in the furnace, the clay endures a fiery ordeal, anticipating a significant outcome.
7. Disappointment in Appearance: Upon seeing its plain form as a flower-pot, the clay feels disillusioned, expecting grandeur but finding simplicity.
8. Identity Crisis: The clay grapples with its new form and purpose, questioning its maker and feeling dissatisfied with its role.
9. Awakening in the Greenhouse: Placed in a greenhouse, the clay begins to experience inner growth and a stirring of hope, signaling a transformation.
10. Revelation in the Church: Positioned in a grand church, the clay learns from a fellow vessel about its true purpose in carrying a royal sceptre of lilies.
11. Recognition of Inner Worth: Realizing its value in holding a precious treasure, the clay finds contentment and gratitude towards its maker.
12. Embracing Divine Plan: Accepting its role, the clay understands the significance of humility and fulfilling its intended purpose.
13. Lessons of Resilience: Through its journey, the clay learns valuable lessons about resilience, patience, and discovering one’s true worth.
14. Symbolism of Growth: The story serves as a powerful metaphor for personal growth, resilience, and embracing one’s unique purpose in life.
15. Appreciation for the Journey: Despite initial disappointment, the clay finds fulfillment in fulfilling its purpose and holding a precious treasure within, embracing the journey’s lessons.

Literary Devices in “A Handful of Clay” by Henry van Dyke

Literary Device	Example	Explanation
Metaphor	“There was a handful of clay in the bank of a river.”	The clay symbolizes human potential and aspirations, while the riverbank represents the starting point of life’s journey.
Personification	“the trees whispered together”	Assigning human-like qualities to non-human entities, enhancing the imagery and atmosphere of the scene.
Symbolism	“spring sunshine”	The spring sunshine symbolizes hope, renewal, and the beginning of a transformative journey for the clay.
Alliteration	“common clay, coarse and heavy”	The repetition of the ‘c’ sound adds emphasis to the description of the clay, highlighting its humble nature.
Imagery	“forest glowed with fair, clear colours”	Vivid descriptions evoke sensory experiences, allowing readers to visualize the beauty of nature surrounding the clay.
Simile	“as if the dust of thousands of rubies and emeralds were hanging”	Comparing the colors of nature to precious gems emphasizes their brilliance and beauty.
Foreshadowing	“My time will come,”	The clay’s belief in its future greatness foreshadows the trials and transformations it will undergo.
Irony	“the path to glory is always rugged”	Irony arises from the contrast between the clay’s expectations of glory and the difficult journey it faces.
Allegory	Journey of the clay through various stages	The story serves as an allegory for the human experience, with the clay symbolizing personal growth and transformation.
Hyperbole	“whirled around until it seemed as if it must fly into a thousand pieces”	Exaggeration emphasizes the intensity of the clay’s experience on the potter’s wheel.
Anthropomorphism	“the clay comforted itself with lofty hopes”	The clay is portrayed as having human-like emotions and thoughts, adding depth to its character.
Paradox	“The tribulation was passed. The reward was at hand.”	The juxtaposition of tribulation and reward highlights the cyclical nature of the clay’s journey.
Onomatopoeia	“murmured to the shores in music”	The use of “murmured” creates auditory imagery, enhancing the scene with the sounds of the river.
Oxymoron	“fierce and penetrating”	Combining contradictory adjectives emphasizes the intensity of the fires in the furnace.
Euphemism	“a new hope”	The term “a new hope” softens the uncertainty and anxiety experienced by the clay, providing a sense of optimism.
Juxtaposition	“set in a greenhouse”	Placing the clay in a greenhouse contrasts with its previous harsh environments, symbolizing a period of growth and nurturing.
Repetition	“Glory and beauty and honour are coming to me in due season.”	Repetition emphasizes the clay’s steadfast belief in its future greatness.
Parallelism	“Glory and beauty and honour”	The repetition of similar structures enhances the rhythm and reinforces the importance of these qualities to the clay.
Anaphora	“Why have they set me here? Why do all the people look toward us?”	The repetition of “Why” emphasizes the clay’s confusion and desire for understanding its purpose.
Epiphany	“And the other vessel answered”	The moment when the clay learns the truth about its purpose serves as an epiphany, bringing clarity and understanding.

Characterization in “A Handful of Clay” by Henry van Dyke

Major Characters:

• The Handful of Clay (Protagonist): The Handful of Clay is the protagonist of the story, and its journey is one of transformation and self-discovery. Initially, it is proud and ambitious, thinking highly of its own value and dreaming of a great future ( “It had high thoughts of its own value, and wonderful dreams of the great place which it was to fill in the world” ). However, as it faces tribulations and challenges, it learns to be humble and appreciate its role ( “Then the clay was content, and silently thanked its maker, because, though an earthen vessel, it held so great a treasure” ). Through its experiences, the clay comes to understand that its true purpose is not to be a grand and beautiful object, but to serve as a vessel for something greater than itself.
• The Unknown Maker (God or Creator): The Unknown Maker is the creative force behind the clay’s transformation. Initially, the clay sees the Maker as mysterious and powerful, but also somewhat cruel and capricious ( “Why hast thou made me thus?” ). However, as the story progresses, the Maker is revealed to be patient, wise, and benevolent, shaping the clay into a vessel that can hold great beauty and value ( “The root of it is in your heart” ). The Maker’s role is to guide the clay towards its true purpose, even when the clay itself does not understand the process or the outcome.

Minor Characters:

• The Trees: The Trees are a symbol of beauty and pride, whispering among themselves about their own glory ( “The trees whispered together of the glory which descended upon them” ). They serve as a contrast to the clay’s initial pride and later humility, highlighting the importance of appreciating one’s own unique role and purpose.
• The Flowers: The Flowers are a symbol of joy and appreciation, bending their heads to one another in admiration ( “Sisters, how lovely you have become. You make the day bright” ). They emphasize the clay’s initial feelings of inadequacy and its desire to be beautiful and valued.
• The River: The River is a symbol of power and purpose, flowing swiftly and surely towards its destination ( “The river, glad of new strength and rejoicing in the unison of all its waters, murmured to the shores in music” ). It serves as a reminder of the clay’s own journey and transformation, as it too is shaped and molded into something new and valuable.
• The Other Vessel of Clay: The Other Vessel of Clay is a symbol of wisdom and understanding, offering guidance and support to the protagonist clay ( “Do you not know? You are carrying a royal sceptre of lilies” ). It helps the clay understand its true purpose and value, and serves as a reminder that even in our darkest moments, there is always hope and beauty to be found.

Major Themes in “A Handful of Clay” by Henry van Dyke

1. Transformation and Resilience: A central theme in “A Handful of Clay” is the journey of transformation and resilience. The clay undergoes a series of trials, from being mixed and beaten to enduring intense heat in the furnace, symbolizing the challenges and hardships of life. Despite these adversities, the clay remains steadfast in its belief that something noble will come out of its struggles. This theme reflects the resilience of the human spirit and the capacity for growth and change even in the face of adversity. For example, the clay’s journey from a common lump to a vessel holding a royal sceptre of lilies showcases its transformation and resilience in overcoming obstacles to fulfill its purpose.
2. Identity and Purpose: Another prominent theme is the exploration of identity and purpose. The clay initially harbors grand dreams of glory and beauty, envisioning itself as destined for a significant role in the world. However, its journey leads it to question its identity and purpose when it is molded into a common flower-pot, seemingly devoid of the grandeur it expected. This theme delves into the existential struggle of finding meaning and purpose in life, as the clay grapples with feelings of disappointment and discontent before ultimately discovering its true purpose in holding a royal treasure. This exploration of identity and purpose resonates with the human experience of seeking fulfillment and understanding one’s role in the world.
3. Acceptance and Gratitude: The theme of acceptance and gratitude emerges as the clay learns to accept its fate and find contentment in its role. Initially resentful and disillusioned by its humble form, the clay rebels against its maker, questioning why it was made as it is. However, through introspection and the guidance of a fellow vessel, the clay comes to understand the value of its role and the treasure it holds within. This theme highlights the importance of acceptance, gratitude, and embracing one’s unique qualities and purpose, even if they may not align with initial expectations.
4. Symbolism of Growth and Fulfillment: The overarching theme of growth and fulfillment is depicted through the clay’s journey from a simple lump to a vessel carrying a royal treasure. Each stage of the clay’s transformation symbolizes the growth, challenges, and eventual fulfillment experienced in life’s journey. From the initial dreams of greatness to the eventual realization of its true purpose, the clay’s story serves as a metaphor for personal growth, resilience, and finding fulfillment in embracing one’s unique role in the world. This theme encourages readers to reflect on their own journeys of growth and fulfillment, recognizing the value of resilience, acceptance, and gratitude in finding meaning and purpose in life.

Writing Style in “A Handful of Clay” by Henry van Dyke

Literary Theories and Interpretation of “A Handful of Clay” by Henry van Dyke

Literary Theory	Interpretation	Examples from the Story	Critique
Marxist	The story critiques the exploitation of raw materials (the clay) by the powerful (the Maker) for their own purposes.	The clay’s initial pride and later humility reflect the struggle for self-awareness and resistance against oppressive forces.	This interpretation may be too forced, as the story’s themes of creativity and purpose don’t neatly fit into a Marxist framework.
Feminist	The story explores the gendered dynamics of creation, with the male Maker shaping and controlling the female clay.	The clay’s submission to the Maker’s will and its ultimate transformation into a beautiful, feminine flower pot reflect patriarchal norms.	This interpretation may be too narrow, as the story’s themes of creativity and purpose transcend gender dynamics.
Postcolonial	The story critiques the colonialist dynamic of the Maker imposing their will on the raw material (the clay), echoing the exploitation of colonized cultures.	The clay’s initial ignorance and later understanding of its purpose reflect the struggle for self-awareness and resistance against imperial forces.	This interpretation may be too stretched, as the story’s themes of creativity and purpose don’t directly address colonialism.

Topics, Questions, and Thesis Statements about “A Handful of Clay” by Henry van Dyke

Topic	Question	Thesis Statement
Symbolism of the Clay’s Journey	How does the clay’s journey symbolize the human experience?	The journey of the clay in “A Handful of Clay” serves as a powerful allegory for the transformative journey of personal growth and resilience.
Themes of Identity and Purpose	What themes of identity and purpose are explored in the story?	Through the clay’s struggles with its identity and purpose, “A Handful of Clay” highlights the universal quest for meaning and self-discovery.
Resilience and Acceptance	How does the clay demonstrate resilience and acceptance throughout its journey?	The clay’s journey in “A Handful of Clay” illustrates the importance of resilience and acceptance in overcoming challenges and finding fulfillment.
The Role of Gratitude and Contentment	How does the clay’s attitude towards its circumstances evolve over time?	“A Handful of Clay” demonstrates the transformative power of gratitude and contentment in finding fulfillment and embracing one’s true purpose.

Short Questions/Answers about/on “A Handful of Clay” by Henry van Dyke

1. What is the central message of “A Handful of Clay”?
   • The central message of “A Handful of Clay” revolves around the themes of resilience, acceptance, and finding purpose. Through the journey of the clay, the story conveys the idea that even amidst challenges and disappointments, there is value in embracing one’s true identity and purpose. For example, despite being molded into a common flower-pot, the clay ultimately finds contentment and gratitude in its role as the vessel holding a royal treasure.
2. How does the story use symbolism to convey its themes?
   • Symbolism plays a crucial role in “A Handful of Clay,” with various elements representing deeper meanings and themes. For instance, the clay symbolizes human potential and aspirations, while its journey from a humble lump to a vessel holding a royal treasure serves as an allegory for the transformative journey of personal growth and resilience.
3. What role does acceptance play in the clay’s journey?
   • Acceptance is a recurring theme in the story, as the clay learns to accept its circumstances and embrace its true purpose. Despite facing disappointment when it is molded into a common flower-pot, the clay eventually comes to understand the value of its role and the treasure it holds within. This acceptance allows the clay to find contentment and gratitude towards its maker.
4. How does “A Handful of Clay” explore the concept of gratitude?
   • “A Handful of Clay” explores the transformative power of gratitude, highlighting its ability to bring fulfillment and contentment. Initially resentful and disillusioned by its humble form, the clay learns to appreciate its role and the treasure it holds within. This gratitude towards its maker enables the clay to find contentment and embrace its true purpose, despite initial disappointment.

Literary Works Similar to “A Handful of Clay” by Henry van Dyke

1. “The Happy Prince” by Oscar Wilde: This tale examines themes of selflessness, empathy, and the true nature of beauty. It parallels “A Handful of Clay” in its use of ordinary objects with deeper symbolic meanings, leading to profound reflections on life and humanity.
2. “The Nightingale and the Rose” by Oscar Wilde: In this lesser-known work by Wilde, themes of sacrifice, love, and the fleeting nature of beauty are explored. It resonates with “A Handful of Clay” through its poignant portrayal of the sacrifices made for love and the discovery of deeper truths.
3. “The Story of an Hour” by Kate Chopin: This short story explores themes of freedom, identity, and the constraints of marriage. While tonally different from van Dyke’s story, it shares similarities in its examination of personal transformation and the search for meaning in life.
4. “The Yellow Wallpaper” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman: Like “A Handful of Clay,” this story delves into themes of confinement, identity, and the consequences of societal expectations. It serves as a chilling exploration of the female experience and the effects of patriarchal oppression.
5. “The Night in Question” by Tobias Wolff: This lesser-known story by Wolff centers on themes of guilt, redemption, and the complexity of human morality. It shares thematic similarities with “A Handful of Clay” in its exploration of personal transformation and the search for meaning in life’s trials.

Suggested Readings about/on “A Handful of Clay” by Henry van Dyke

• Van Dyke, Henry. “A Handful of Clay.” The Blue Flower. Scribner, 1902.
• Cross, Allen, and Nellie Margaret Statler. Story-telling for Upper Grade Teachers. Row, Peterson, 1918.
• Van Dyke, Henry. The Works of Henry Van Dyke. Vol. 11. C. Scribner’s sons, 1921.
• Bos, William Herman. A study of the preaching of Henry Van Dyke. University of Michigan, 1955.

Representative Quotations from “A Handful of Clay” by Henry van Dyke

Quotation	Context	Theoretical Perspective
“My time will come… Glory and beauty and honour are coming to me in due season.”	The clay’s initial hopes and dreams	Marxist theory: highlights the clay’s desire for social mobility and recognition
“This is necessary… The path to glory is always rugged.”	The clay’s response to being taken from the riverbank	Existentialist theory: emphasizes the clay’s acceptance of its circumstances and determination to achieve its goals
“Surely I am intended for something very splendid… Perhaps I am fashioned for the ornament of a temple, or a precious vase for the table of a king.”	The clay’s thoughts during its transformation	Psychoanalytic theory: reveals the clay’s desire for grandeur and recognition, reflecting its ego and superego
“Why hast thou made me thus?”	The clay’s response to its new shape	Postcolonial theory: highlights the clay’s resistance to its imposed form and purpose
“Do you not know? You are carrying a royal sceptre of lilies… The root of it is in your heart.”	The other vessel’s explanation to the clay	Symbolist theory: emphasizes the symbolic meaning of the lilies and the clay’s role in holding something precious
“Then the clay was content, and silently thanked its maker…”	The clay’s final acceptance and gratitude	Humanist theory: highlights the clay’s growth and self-awareness, leading to a sense of purpose and appreciation