Symbolism 1302 English Comp April 22, 2010

Symbolism and Allegory Expand meaning. Literary devices developed from the connections that real-life people make between their own existence and particular objects, places, or occurrences, through either experience or reading. Details = Symbols Allegories = Stories or parts of stories

Symbolism Creates a direct meaningful equation between A specific object, scene, character, or actions Ideas, values, persons, or ways of life Generally or universally recognized.

Contextual Symbols Are not universal can be symbols only if they are made so within individual works. Contextual, private, or authorial – derive their meaning from the context and circumstances of individual works

Allegory Transfers and broadens meaning OR “to say something beyond what is commonly understood.” Is more sustained than symbolism An allegory is to a symbol as a motion picture is to a still picture. Often concerned with morality and especially with religion Also, political and social

Allegory Because listeners learn and memorize stories and tales more easily than moral lessons The allegory is a favorite method of teaching morality Expression of views indirectly in the form of allegory rather than to name names The double meanings of many allegories are based in literary form AND in the reality of circumstances

What is an Allegory? Does the work have an extended, allegorical meaning. Ancient Greece, the hero Jason Anglo-Saxon England, the hero Beowulf 17th Century England, The Pilgrim’s Progress As long as parallel connections are close and consistent Allegorical interpretation is valid.

Fable, Parable, and Myth Related to symbolism and allegory The ability to extend and expand meaning The Fable The Parable The Myth

The Fable Short tale with a pointed moral. An old, brief, and popular form. Often about animals that possess human traits (personification). Morals are attached

The Parable Short, simple story with a moral or religious thrust. Associated with Jesus.

The Myth A tale with Social, Political, Religious, or Philosophical Meanings. A traditional story. Central figures of mythical stories are Heroes Gods Demigods Most myths are fictional, some based on historical truths.

The Myth continued … Are not confined to the past Myth can refer to abstractions and ideas that people hold today Never-ending economic growth, etc. Truths of mythology are not to be found literally in the myths themselves, but in their symbolic and allegorical interpretations.

Allusion in Symbolism and Allegory Allude to other works from our cultural heritage The Bible Ancient history and literature Works of British and American traditions May require knowledge of history and current politics. May require a dictionary or other reference work.