Symbolism A refresher course
We write more than words Symbolism allows people to communicate beyond the limits of language. Humans use symbolism all the time. Words themselves are mere symbols for something else. Look at your picture of the tree. Who drew the pine tree? Who drew an evergreen? Did any one draw a palm tree? The word is not actually a tree. The word is a symbol for the tree. We all have an understanding of what that symbol means, but we all have a personal level of understanding.
The definition A symbol is a person, place, or object that stands for something beyond itself.
Examples National, religious, and cultural symbols have standard interpretations as well as a personal significance for each individual. For example, the American flag symbolizes the United States of America. The personal significance, however, varies. A U.S. army veteran cherishes its meaning. A terrorist, on the other hand, finds it despicable.
Examples A green piece of paper with George Washington’s picture on it symbolizes one dollar. A billionaire considers it chump change. A beggar considers it an elusive treasure.
Other Cultural Examples: The Christian Cross The Star of David Sports symbols Every one knows what these symbols mean because of their cultural importance, but what that significances is depends on the personal connection each person has to the symbol.
Symbols in Literature An author may use a cultural symbol (Ex: A Lion which culturally symbolizes bravery, strength and power.) But an author may also create a symbol contextually: which means that the symbol derives its meanly solely from the work itself. (Ex: Moby Dick symbolizes God, or an indifferent universe)
Strategies to find symbols in literature Strategy: Look for references to concrete objects and analyze whether they could be symbols. Pay special attention to objects named in the title. Procedure: Make a two-column chart. In the left column, write down the concrete object. In the right column, write what it may symbolize.
Strategies to find symbols in literature Strategy: Pay special attention to objects or places accompanied by a lengthy description, repetition, or special placement. Procedure: Analyze the title. Make note of objects mentioned more than once. Make note of objects that appear at crucial moments. Determine whether a place, object, or character is essential to the theme of a literary work.
Some examples of common symbols in literature: A river can represent the flow of life… A journey … or its depth may represent the unknown… … the water might be purity… … or there could be dangers beneath the surface.
More examples. A storm occurring when there is a conflict or high emotions Transition from day to night might = move from goodness to evil In literature, symbols are full of meaning and are used to develop atmosphere in the text.
Specific examples From Harry Potter, a snake a or a serpent represents _________________. It is no coincidence the symbol for the Slytherin House is a serpent. This is an example of a cultural symbol, as it originally comes from the Bible and J.K Rowling did not create that symbol.
Specific Examples In Star Wars, colors are used throughout the film. Lightsabers: Good and Evil is represented by color; blue being the light side and red the dark side Luke Skywalker wears white: typically symbolizing good, or purity. Darth Vadar wears black: a symbol for evil.
Things to remember about symbols: Symbols are written to help understand the theme of the work. The meaning of an individual symbol may change as the work progresses Symbols may stand for more than one thing. Ex: Alice Adventures in Wonderland The garden may symbolize the Garden of Eden, an idyllic space of beauty and innocence that Alice is not permitted to access. Also, the garden may represent the experience of desire, in that Alice focuses her time and emotion on trying to attain it. The two symbolic meanings work together to signify Alice’s desire to hold onto her feelings of childlike innocence that she must relinquish as she matures.