Interpreting Symbolism and Figurative Language: Symbol and Figurative Language

Symbol Symbol is a person, place, thing, or event that figuratively represents or stands for something else. Often, the thing or idea represented is more abstract and general, and the symbol is more concrete and particular.

Literary Symbolism A symbol in a work of literature compares or puts together two things that are in some ways dissimilar. Furthermore, a literary symbol usually does not come down to a simple equation of one thing to another. Usually, a symbol is richer and has varied meanings. A symbol is usually hinted throughout a text. A literary symbol will have no singe “correct” meaning.

Traditional Symbols Traditional symbols are symbols that have been used by many people for a long time. For example: a white dove (peace and love), a rose (desire, love, or mortality), the snake (evil).

Archetype Symbols Archetype Symbols that have been used and a reoccurring in many cultures and many different literary works. For example: symbols of fire, water, a flower, or a tree are considered archetypes because numerous cultures use them symbolically, often with their system of religion or myth.

Allegory A common literary form, especially in works written by and for religious believers is an allegory, which may be regarded as an “extended” symbol or series of symbols. In an allegory, concrete things and abstract concepts may be associated with each other across a narrative. In an allegory, the purpose is to let readers enjoy an invented world where everything is especially meaningful and everything represents something else according to a moral or otherwise “correct plan”.

Myth When an entire story is allegorical or symbolic, it is sometimes called a myth. Mythos is the Greek word for story. Myth originally referred to a story of communal origin that provided an explanation or religious interpretation of humanity, nature, the universe, or the relations among them. Consider: the hero, the woman of power, the lost paradise, and the quest myths.

Figurative Language Figurative language (figures of speech) are similar to symbols in that they supplement or replace literal meaning. Often figurative language creates imaginative connections between our ideas and our senses.

Key Figures of Speech Allusion: a brief reference to another text or person. Irony: a meaning or outcome contrary to what is expected. Metaphor: a representation of one thing as if it were something else, without like or as. Personification: attributing human qualities to objects or animals. Simile: a representation of one thing as if it were something else, with an explicit verbal signal such as like or as.

Responding to Symbolism: Some Guidelines Look for details that have exceptional significance, like: names, actions or statements, reoccurring references to objects, repetition, important places, or allusions. Note any symbols or images that you recognize from mythology, religion, or any other literature, art, or popular culture. Once you’ve found a symbol, review how it is shown either on a literal or figurative level throughout the text. When writing about a symbol, be sure to cite specific passages that will help support your claim.