What happens when we see doves? Is this merely a sign of freedom? Certain things or concepts are evoked by certain associations. It also contains additional meanings. The visual symbols may highlight a character’s emotional state (emotional symbolism), motivation or role. For example, in The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, ‘a green light‘ is used to symbolize Gatsby’s hope for a future with his love interest, Daisy. Symbols can represent the characters’ internal struggles and central themes of the texts like the green light in The Great Gatsby. Let’ explore a few more examples of symbolism as one of the literary devices.
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Symbolism Definition
Symbol is an object which holds a meaning (symbolic meaning) and reflects the idea that the symbol was created for, to explain the intended meaning. In contrast, symbols can take a variety of forms, including words, images, colours or movements (even subtle symbol). For example, the cross represents Christianity and the stripes in the American emblem symbolize courage. Symbols are often found within almost every art form, including music, movies, and literature. Symbols’ meaning may change in a variety of contexts or cultures depending on the context in which they are. Therefore it is important to learn where, when and why symbols are being used. Symbols are used to represent something that’s more than the literal meaning and are often used in everyday life. Symbols play an important role amongst other literary devices.
Why writers use symbolism?
Symbolism as a literary device has many advantages in literature. Adding an attribute to your idea will simplify the complexity of your ideas and make your reading easier for your readers to understand. A literal example is also an example that gives a much better insight into something that’s not literally a literal example. Then there’s the pure imagination. The writers implicitly provide details, so the writings sound poetic. Writers use symbolism to evoke emotion, create a sensory experience, and to demonstrate artistic use of language so that words have both literal and figurative meanings.
How writers express symbolism?
Symbolism in writing can generally be expressed as character, subject, or event. Object symbols are usually represented by objects in the literature, which can assist in understanding a complex story’s main themes. In The Hunger Games, the mockingjay pin has become one of the most iconic symbols of Katniss. Afterwards, it became the symbol of District Rebellion against Capitol Hill. Characters If symbolism is represented in a person’s actions, this is usually part of the allegory. In Lions, Witches and Wardrobes.
Concepts conveyed through symbolism
The symbolism has represented three key themes for centuries: religion, romanticism, and emotions. Religious symbolism The widely used symbol is religious allusion. In the late 1800s, there was widespread adoption to include the religion in literary works. Symbolically, the Bible itself contains many parables containing symbolic elements such as the Lamb of God, serpents of Satan, and various parables. Romantic symbolization. Romanticism emphasizes feelings over realities and imagination over practicality.
Symbolism Examples
There are certain symbols in our tradition that have never been considered before. The bride wears white as the colour is symbolic of purity. Snake symbols are sometimes used to represent corruption. The thumbs held on are symbolic of peace or victory in some situations. Window symbols represent opportunities. Nevertheless closed windows may also indicate entrapments in humans. Apples have been a symbol of knowledge for centuries because of its significance within scripture. FREE course to sell ten thousand ebooks Get free training videos to start a full-time writing career.
Symbols in literature
Learning these symbols will improve the learning process of reading. Although this object does not carry a symbolistic value in a text, it is one of the common symbols in literature. Rivers: In literary terms rivers represent life. The starting point for the river can be thought of in most cases as the beginning of a life while merged with the ocean can be considered a end of life. Rivers represent freedom in other words. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Tom Sawyer is one such book.
Examples from literature
The following symbols provide a crucial basis for understanding the central theme of the respective tales. There have also been numerous famous literary symbols such as Lights and Fire in Frankenstein. It is evident at the Monsters’ first fire confrontation:
Symbolism in poems
In poetry, beautiful photos may be painted in one sentence. The poets’ admiration for symbolism should not have surprised many. They are allowed to use deep concepts for interesting concepts which should stimulate the imagination.
The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe
The famous poem of the same name has many symbolic features and significance. Ravens were considered evil omens for centuries. Poe uses the raven as symbol for death when the narration descends into madness.
She Dwelt Among Untrodden Ways by William Wordsworth
Wordsworth certainly knows the art of letting women feel special. Below the lines he demonstrates his affection for the quiet woman he adores.
Common symbols in literature & symbolism examples
The time is right for putting theories into practice; we need to directly address symbolism. This section contains some commonly used symbols for literature. Tell me the function of these machines? See below sections.
Types of symbolism
Once you are able to identify a symbol in a passage, it will become easy to define their type. We’ll do this next. This section gives an overview of symbolic symbolism and abstract symbols.
Contextual symbols
A contextual symbol exists just outside of a specific narrative. For a more precise meaning, this may mean words, objects, or places that have a different meaning important to the interpretation of the message. The portrait of the author Dorian Gray from his novel of the same name provides perfect examples of contextual symbols. It symbolically represents the heart and soul of the protagonists. This symbol has been used only in this book as it is unable to be viewed as representing the souls of people.
Symbolic character
Symbolical characters are any character of stories used for showing their fundamental theme. It is typically used infrequently. The reader therefore only has to understand the true essence and symbolic value of this character. Aslan from “Chronicle of Narnia” has some symbolic character. His image reflects God and Jesus.
Universal symbol
A universal or conventional symbol is of a universal significance for all peoples. Those in all walks of life are aware of these symbols. Generally we know what Christianity crosses are or white doves with olive branches. The second one is linked to Christianity. The third is about happiness.
Abstract Symbolism
The abstract symbol of Literature is not clearly associated with the real and the figurative. This represents nothing without any physical basis. Purple may be associated with nobleness but does not specifically describe noblemen. There is merely some way to suggest that one is noble:
Symbolism in literature: Novels and Plays
You have certainly seen symbols on a number of your favourite books, poetry or art work. The symbolism of the past and the present enrich text and paint the viewer’s picture.
Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling
Several theses on Rowling’s use of metaphors for her series were published. See the poignant example. The scar on Harry embodies courage and survival. It explains his relationship with Lord Voldemort, and the need for continuing to take this good, brave course. The name Albus Dumbledore signifies his identity. The name Dumbledore means “bumblebee”. The old English man liked to hum. Außerdem, Albu translates “white”, symbolizing white magic. The Golden Snitch represents the spiritual awakening each “seeker” seeks. Knockturn Alley symbolizes dark in the world. Doesn’t the name alone sound like a name?
How the Grinch Stole Christmas! by Dr. Seuss
What does it mean when a grinch sneezed? The grinch uses all the Christmas symbols from Whoof Whoville so that no Christmas would happen. Then, he finds out that material objects represent something larger. What really symbolizes this is the song of Whos, representing the spirit of the Christmas season which comes not from stores but by heart.
Wuthering Heights by Emily Bront
This famous book has a rich symbolism. Then Emily Bront used symbols to create the title. Wuthering Heights both has names as well as a site to symbolize wildness in the stories. It shows how the leaves of trees symbolize love’s constant change and transformation. In addition, the rocks above surface represent pains necessary to be loved.
As you like it by William Shakespeare
As You Like It was a very important play by William Shakespeare. He uses symbolism to liken the big picture to an audience. The “players” represent the people around the globe and are symbols. All of us are a part of the great spectacle of the “world stage”. Everybody plays an important part.
Aurora Leigh. Elizabeth Barrett Browning
Aurora Lillie’s epic novels are richly symbolic. Elizabeth Barrett Browning explored various ideas throughout her works, but primarily the female role has a key focus. In a new book the woman compares her husband’s shoes to slip-on shoes she slips on at night.
Night by Elie Wiesel
The memoir “Night from Holocaust survivors” by Elie Wiesel recounts the horrid experience of the Nazis’death camps. The concept of darkness in this book represents death, darkness, and loss of faith.
The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne
The scarlet letter by Hawthorne demonstrates the importance of symbols. Hester’s protagonist has it on his body. A signifies a sexual act. Nonetheless, this meaning changes as Hester is “able.”
A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry
A Raisin in the sun represents the hope of a plant being planted on the balcony. Similarly plants need sunlight for growth, we need nourishment for thriving.
Symbolism and Allegory
An allegory represents a work conveying morality using symbolic characters and events to communicate. Not all works incorporating symbols represent an allegory. An allegory is an underlying story where the vast majority of characters and plot development serve a symbol for some other thing. The characters found in Edmund Spenser’s Allegorical poem “The Faerie Queene” don’t have a complex nature and are more meant to embody virtue than to resemble real persons. Hester Prynne is the protagonist of Nathaniel Hawthorne’s highly symbolic novel Scarlet Letters.
Is symbol purposeful or not?
Sometimes, it isn’t clear whether the author uses symbolic imagery intentionally or if the reader provides the text as a symbol. Thankfully this is not an issue. What is symbolism? How symbolism is represented is largely dependent on interpretation, as does the intent of the author.
Identifying symbolism
Writers utilise varying types of symbols for deepening meaning. Often though, certain symbols can be distinctly identified. Some symbols may seem obvious, while some others may not. Sea glass may in some texts appear as an obvious symbol, but is more subtle in others:
Symbol vs. Metaphor
At first glance, symbolism and metaphor are difficult to distinguish between them. There are also significant differences of metaphoric and symbolic forms.
Symbolism in Frankenstein
The key symbols used by Shelley are fire and light.
Universal symbols
White symbolizes purity. Rose symbolises love. Black symbolises death. Raven symbolises omens.
