What Is a Symbol? A symbol is an ordinary object, event, person, or animal to which we have attached a special meaning. [End of Section]

Where Do We Get Symbols? Public symbols have been inherited, or handed down over time are widely known show up in art and literature Note

Where Do We Get Symbols? Invented symbols come about when writers make a character, object, or event stand for some human concern sometimes become well known and gain the status of public symbol [End of Section]

Symbols in Literature Writers use symbols to suggest layers of meaning that a simple, literal statement could never convey speak more powerfully to the reader’s emotions and imagination make their stories rich and memorable

Where Do We Get Symbols? Note Different cultures may attach different meanings to some symbols. For example, the symbolic meanings of colors are not universal.

Allegory Allegory—a story in which characters, setting, and actions stand for something beyond themselves, such as abstract ideas moral qualities historical figures or events

Allegory Allegories can be read on two levels: literal and symbolic are often intended to teach a moral lesson or make a comment about goodness and vice

Allegory Characters and places in allegories often have names that reveal their symbolic significance: Characters Places Death Vanity Good Deeds Ignorance Celestial City Vanity Fair Hill of Difficulty Valley of Fear

Allegory Literal meaning the story that takes place on the surface uses interesting characters and plot to hold the reader’s attention Symbolic, or allegorical, meaning the story that takes place beneath the surface uses characters and events to represent ideas such as love, freedom, evil, or goodness