Symbolism
What Is Symbolism? Author uses an object or reference to add deeper meaning to a story Can be subtle or obvious, used sparingly or heavy-handedly Author may repeatedly use the same object to convey deeper meaning or may use variations of the same object to create an overarching mood or feeling Often used to support a literary theme in a subtle manner.
Some Truths About Symbolism With Symbolism there is not only one right answer. The author does not necessarily intentionally use symbolism. Some symbols are quite clear in what they mean, while other symbols are still being argued long after the poet has died! Begin guiding students towards an understanding that good poetry is rather subjective. What is good poetry to one person may not be good poetry to another. Like music, everyone reads poetry with their sense of likes and dislikes. (Some people love pop music like N*Sync and Britney Spears; however, some would rather stick a sharp stick in their eye than have to listen to it!) There are some aspects on which most people agree. We will be studying those aspects in this poetry unit.
What do the following examples represent to you? Examples of Symbolism What do the following examples represent to you?
Examples of Symbolism Black generally means death.
White means purity or newness. However, in Asian societies, white is symbolic of death.
A lion can be symbolic of courage.
A voyage or journey can be symbolic of life.
How can we know if a poet is using symbolism? The poet may: use accepted forms of symbolism. use comparison to make the symbolism stand out. give enough clues in the poem for people to understand their symbolism.
How can we know if a poet is using symbolism? Cont’d. But, in some poems, the symbolism can be subjective because every one interprets things differently. What the writer writes may impact me a certain way because of my understanding of things.
The Silliest Thing: Some symbols are quite clear in what they mean, while other symbols are still being argued long after the poet has died!