Cipher: A Literary Device

Cipher: Etymology, Literal and Conceptual Meanings

Etymology/Term

The term “cipher” originates from the Arabic word “sifr,” meaning zero or empty. It entered medieval Latin as “cifra,” and later Middle French as “chiffre,” signifying a numerical symbol or code. Over time, it evolved to encompass various encoding methods and cryptographic techniques.

Literal Meanings

• Mathematics: Originally denoting zero, a cipher is a numerical digit with no intrinsic value, often used as a placeholder in positional number systems.
• Cryptography: In a strict sense, a cipher is a method of encrypting text or data to secure communication. It involves substituting or transposing characters according to a predefined algorithm.

Conceptual Meanings

• Secrecy and Concealment: Beyond its technical definition, “cipher” is metaphorically associated with secrecy and concealment, reflecting the primary purpose of cryptographic ciphers to obscure information.
• Mystery and Enigma: In a broader context, “cipher” can evoke a sense of mystery or puzzle, symbolizing anything that is difficult to interpret or decode.
• Symbolism in Culture: The term has cultural significance, representing hidden meanings or encrypted messages in literature, art, and popular culture. It can connote a hidden language or code understood by a select few.

Cipher: Definition as a Literary Device

In literature, a cipher refers to a character or symbol that lacks clear individual traits or characteristics, serving as a blank slate for readers to project their interpretations onto. Ciphers often embody ambiguity, allowing authors to convey broader themes or societal concepts through these enigmatic figures. The deliberate vagueness of a cipher adds layers of complexity to a narrative, inviting readers to engage in deeper analysis and draw personal connections to the story.

Cipher: Types and Examples

1. Symbolic Ciphers:
   • Definition: Characters or objects that represent abstract ideas or concepts.
   • Example: In George Orwell’s “Animal Farm,” the character of Napoleon symbolizes Joseph Stalin, acting as a cipher for the oppressive regime.
2. Enigmatic Characters:
   • Definition: Characters deliberately crafted with mysterious or ambiguous qualities, allowing readers to project their interpretations.
   • Example: Jay Gatsby in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby” serves as an enigmatic cipher, embodying the American Dream and the illusions of wealth.
3. Allegorical Ciphers:
   • Definition: Characters or elements that stand for moral, political, or philosophical concepts within an allegory.
   • Example: In John Bunyan’s “The Pilgrim’s Progress,” Christian represents the individual’s spiritual journey, serving as an allegorical cipher for the pursuit of faith.
4. Blank Slate Protagonists:
   • Definition: Protagonists intentionally lacking distinct traits to enable reader identification and immersion.
   • Example: The narrator in Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s “The Yellow Wallpaper” functions as a blank slate protagonist, allowing readers to experience the descent into madness firsthand.
5. Narrative Ciphers:
   • Definition: Elements in the narrative that carry symbolic weight, enhancing the overall meaning.
   • Example: The journey of the river in Joseph Conrad’s “Heart of Darkness” serves as a narrative cipher, symbolizing the progression into the dark recesses of the human soul.
6. Cultural or Historical Ciphers:
   • Definition: Literary elements representing broader cultural or historical contexts.
   • Example: The character of Atticus Finch in Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird” can be viewed as a cultural cipher for justice and moral integrity in the face of racial injustice.
7. Metaphorical Ciphers:
   • Definition: Symbols or metaphors within a text that convey deeper meanings.
   • Example: The “green light” in “The Great Gatsby” serves as a metaphorical cipher for Gatsby’s unreachable dreams and aspirations.
8. Archetypal Ciphers:
   • Definition: Characters embodying archetypal roles or universal symbols.
   • Example: The protagonist as a “heroic figure” in the hero’s journey archetype, seen in works like J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter” series.

Understanding these diverse types of ciphers enriches the reader’s experience, providing layers of meaning and complexity to the literary work.

Cipher: Examples in Everyday Life

1. Traffic Signals:
   • Example: Red, yellow, and green lights serve as ciphers, conveying specific instructions to drivers without the need for written language.
2. Emojis:
   • Example: Emojis function as visual ciphers, expressing emotions or conveying tone in digital communication.
3. Barcodes:
   • Example: Barcodes on products serve as ciphers that encode information about the item, facilitating efficient scanning and inventory management.
4. QR Codes:
   • Example: QR codes act as ciphers, encoding information such as website links, contact details, or event details for quick access via smartphones.
5. Road Signs:
   • Example: Traffic signs, with symbols and colors, function as ciphers to communicate rules and warnings to drivers.
6. Musical Notation:
   • Example: Sheet music is a cipher that represents musical notes, allowing musicians to interpret and perform compositions.
7. Airport Signage:
   • Example: Airport symbols and signs, such as those indicating restrooms or baggage claim, act as ciphers to guide travelers without language barriers.
8. Symbols on Electronic Devices:
   • Example: Icons on smartphones and other electronic devices serve as ciphers, representing functions like battery status, connectivity, and app categories.
9. Currency Symbols:
   • Example: Symbols such as $, €, or ¥ serve as ciphers for different currencies, facilitating international commerce.
10. Weather Icons:
    • Example: Weather forecasts often use visual ciphers like sun, clouds, rain, or snow to convey meteorological conditions at a glance.

These examples illustrate how ciphers play a fundamental role in simplifying and enhancing communication in various aspects of daily life, allowing for quick and efficient understanding without the need for extensive explanations.

Cipher in Literature: Suggested Readings

1. Baldick, Chris. Literary Theory: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford University Press, 2000.
2. Eagleton, Terry. Literary Theory: An Introduction. Blackwell, 2008.
3. Frye, Northrop. Anatomy of Criticism: Four Essays. Princeton University Press, 1957.
4. Guerin, Wilfred L., et al. A Handbook of Critical Approaches to Literature. Oxford University Press, 2015.
5. Lentricchia, Frank, and Thomas McLaughlin. Critical Terms for Literary Study. University of Chicago Press, 1995.
6. Lodge, David. The Art of Fiction. Vintage, 1992.
7. Rivkin, Julie, and Michael Ryan. Literary Theory: An Anthology. Blackwell, 2004.
8. Tyson, Lois. Critical Theory Today: A User-Friendly Guide. Routledge, 2015.
9. Wellek, René, and Austin Warren. Theory of Literature. Harcourt, Brace, 1949.
10. Wolfreys, Julian. Introducing Literary Theories: A Guide and Glossary. Edinburgh University Press, 2001.