Symbolism in Literature

What is symbolism? A symbol is often an ordinary object, event, person, or animal to which we have attached extraordinary meaning and significance.

Look at these objects. What do they symbolize?

Where Do Symbols Come From? Symbols can be inherited or invented. The most familiar symbols have been inherited, which means they have been handed down over time.

People throughout history have given ordinary objects meanings far beyond their simple meaning: Five linked rings symbolize the Olympics A crown symbolizes royalty An olive branch symbolizes peace

Invented Symbols Writers often take a new object, character, or event and make it the embodiment of some human concern. Some invented symbols in literature have become so widely known that they often have gained the status of public symbols. What is the symbol for our school? For example, Peter Pan is a symbol for eternal childhood

Why Create Symbols? You may ask why writers don’t just come right out and say what they mean. Symbols allow writers to suggest layers and layers of meaning that a simple, literal statement could never convey.

Symbols have multiple interpretations. Depending on the context, cultural meanings, and personal experience, symbols may carry different meanings. You may not be able to explain fully what a certain symbol means, but you will always find that the symbol will speak to your emotions and to your imagination. You may also find that you will remember and think about the symbol long after you have forgotten other parts.

As you look at the next few slides, write down what the objects symbolize or mean to you . . .

S. E. Hinton uses several symbols to convey deeper meanings in The Outsiders. As you look at the picture, write down what you think the symbol means.

SUNSETS

Greasy hair

Gone With the Wind

Gold

Switchblade

Mustang

Gold rings

Bologna

Were you on the right track? Sunsets represent what the Greasers and Socs have in common Greasy hair represents the Greasers’ identity and their connection to each other. Gone With the Wind represents gallant soldiers who went into certain death, just like Johnny and Dally.

Gold is the perfect moment in time Gold is the perfect moment in time. Ponyboy is gold because he is young and pure. The switchblade represents power for the Greasers. The Blue Mustang shows the fear instilled in the Greasers when the Socs approach. It represents the division of their social classes.

The gold rings represent the power the Socs have over the Greasers, both physically and socioeconomically. Bologna represents the lonely and frightening days that Johnny and Ponyboy spent in the church.

Can you think of any more? Cigarettes? Sodapop’s horse? The Curtis House? The Church? Dairy Queen/Tastee-Freez?