symbolism in literature presentation

What is Symbolism? Definition, Usage, and Literary Examples

Symbolism definition.

Symbolism  (SIM-buh-liz-uhm) is when an object, person, or place represents an abstract idea beyond its literal meaning. Symbolism in literature can be as obvious as a storm representing a character’s internal turmoil or as subtle as a character’s yellow shirt  foreshadowing  a pending friendship.

Symbolism began as an artistic movement in French  poetry  in the 19th century to combat  realism  in favor of  romanticism . It comes from the Latin word  symbolus , which means “a sign of recognition.”

Examples of Symbolism

Symbolism exists beyond literature and can be found in everyday life. Certain colors, animals, and objects are known for symbolizing conceptual ideas; here are some examples.

• Colors:  Most colors are associated with a feeling or meaning. White symbolizes purity, red is love, green is envy, and yellow is joy and friendship. Red is also known to symbolize stopping, which is evident in stop signs and traffic lights. When red and green are placed together, such as on a Wi-Fi router, red means something is wrong, and green means everything is functioning correctly.
• Animals:  An animal can be symbolic based on its characteristics or its association with a holiday or event. Lions symbolize courage and majesty due to their ranking in the animal kingdom, and black cats symbolize bad luck or spookiness because of their association with Halloween.
• Objects:  Everyday objects can represent a myriad of ideas. Balloons, for example, symbolize celebration, and a rose can represent romance.

Symbolism can also depend on  context . Pine trees can symbolize nature, but if you add lights and a star, it can also represent Christmas.

How Writers Express Symbolism

Symbolism in writing is generally expressed in three ways: through the characters, objects, or events of the piece.

Symbolism in literature most commonly comes through in objects, which can help the reader understand a complex theme of the  plot . For example, in  The Hunger Games , the mocking jay pin was first a symbol of home for Katniss, then it evolved into the symbol for the districts’ rebellion against the Capitol.

When symbolism is represented in a character, it’s shown through their actions, and it’s usually part of an  allegory . In  The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe , for example, the character Aslan symbolizes Jesus because he sacrifices himself to save Edmund but then comes back to life—similar to Jesus dying on the cross and rising again three days later. In  The Pilgrim’s Progress , characters represent different temptations the main character faces on his way to the Celestial City, such as the Interpreter, who explains Biblical passages.

Sometimes, an author uses an occurrence in the plot to act as symbolism. For example, in  The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants  series, the pants represent the girls’ childhood bond. When the pants are lost in the fourth and final book, it symbolizes the loss of their childhood and entrance into adulthood. The event of their disappearance is a symbol independent from the pants themselves.

The Level of Subtlety

In literature, symbolism can be blatantly obvious or subtle. For example, if a woman has a miscarriage after buying toys for the baby, she might find a rattle months later and cry. It would be obvious to the reader that the rattle symbolizes the loss of her child.

A subtle example of the same concept would be if she purchased a black onesie. The color could  foreshadow  the miscarriage, but that may not have been the author’s intention, and not every reader would recognize it right away.

Concepts Conveyed through Symbolism

Since its inception in the late 1800s, symbolism has expressed three key concepts: religion,  romanticism , and emotion.

Religious Symbolism

Perhaps the most widely known and accepted use of symbolism is religious  allusions . In the late 1800s, it was popular to include religious symbolism in novels and  poetry , such as  Paradise Lost  by John Milton ,  which is a retelling of the Bible’s book of Genesis. The Bible itself is inundated with symbolism, including the Lamb of God, the serpent as the devil, and several parables with included symbolism.

Romantic Symbolism

Romanticism emphasized feeling over reality and creativity over practicality. It became a popular movement in literature after its birth as an artistic movement.  Shakespeare ’s  sonnets  are a great example of romantic symbolism, as he talks of beauty and ugliness through symbols like flowers and weeds.

Emotional Symbolism

Using concrete things to convey emotion is popular in literature. Poetry will describe the waves of the ocean to symbolize peace and serenity or rain to symbolize sadness in a character. The appearance of these symbols can express the emotion of a scene or character in a more poetic fashion.

Why Writers Use Symbolism

Symbolism is beneficial in literature for several reasons. It can simplify a complex theme or idea by giving it a characteristic the reader can understand. It can also give a more insightful meaning to something by giving a literal example of something non-literal.

Another reason is for sheer creativity. The author will relay information implicitly so that the writing sounds more poetic. The subject matter is suggested rather than outwardly stated, making it more enjoyable for the reader to deduce its meaning.

Symbolism and Related Terms

Symbolism vs. Allegory

An  allegory  is a story that uses characters to hide a moral or political message using symbolism. However, not every story with symbolism is an allegory. For example, the mockingbird in  To Kill a Mockingbird  symbolizes innocence, but the characters don’t represent abstract ideas, so the novel isn’t an allegory. Books such as  Animal Farm  and  The Pilgrim’s Progress , however, are allegories: the former is a reference to the Russian Revolution, and the latter references the difficult life of a Christian.

Symbolism vs. Metaphor

While both consists of one thing representing another, the main difference between a  metaphor  and a symbol is that the former explicitly compares two things by saying one is the other.

In the Bible, Jesus says he is the vine, and God is the farmer that prunes his fruit-bearing branches. This is a metaphor for God’s love and mentorship. Symbolism doesn’t have explicitly stated comparisons. Instead, one thing stands in place of the other.

Symbolism vs. Motif

Motif supports the theme of a story through repetition of an image, idea, or action. While a motif can be symbolic, they aren’t one in the same. Symbols are usually mentioned once, while a motif appears several times throughout a written work.

For example, a prevailing motif throughout the Harry Potter series is the discrimination against muggle-born wizards. It first appears in  Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets  when Draco calls Hermione a “Mudblood,” a slur that refers to wizard and witches who have Muggle (non-magical) parents. Because this discrimination returns later in the series, when Bellatrix cuts the word into Hermione’s arm, it can be considered a motif.

Symbolism Outside of Literature

Symbolism can be found in movies, songs, and even company branding.

The glass slipper in the movie  Cinderella  is an iconic symbol to this day—any appearance of a glass slipper will bring up memories of this classic movie. But in the movie, it also has a symbolic meaning: it’s Cinderella’s ticket to freedom from a life of servitude.

Another example can be found in the movie  E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial . There’s a plant in Elliot’s bedroom that represents the alien E.T.’s health. When he’s sick, the plant begins to die, and when he heals, the plant comes back to life. In this way, the director could show the status of E.T.’s health without having to explicitly state it.

Companies use symbols to promote their brand in the form of logos, images, fonts, and colors that consumers can easily recognize. Some examples include the red and white Target bullseye, the McDonald’s golden arches, and the Nike swoosh. These logos symbolize their companies and provide easy recognition so customers can engage in brand loyalty.

Emoji are another reference to symbolism, as each character represents a larger idea. Some are more literal, such as the animals, but the wedding bells, for example, could be used to congratulate a friend on their marriage or hint at a future successful relationship.

Examples of Symbolism in Literature

1. Emily Dickinson, “ Because I Could Not Stop for Death ”

Dickinson frequently wrote about death, and this  poem  is no exception. Death is personified in this poem, and several symbolic objects help carry out the theme of death:

Because I could not stop for Death –

He kindly stopped for me –

The Carriage held but just Ourselves –

And Immortality.

We slowly drove – He knew no haste

And I had put away

My labor and my leisure too,

For His Civility –

In this poem, the carriage itself symbolizes a hearse, as it takes Death, Immortality, and the speaker to eternal life. The carriage ride symbolizes the time slowly passing before death occurs, and even the dashes at the end of each line signify that the poem is never-ending, just like immortality.

2. Nathaniel Hawthorne,   The Scarlet Letter

In the beginning of the novel, Hester Prynne has a scarlet letter  A  pinned to her clothing as a symbol of her adultery. It represents the sin and shame of her act:

They averred that the symbol was not mere scarlet cloth tinged in an earthly dyepot, but was red-hot with infernal fire, and could be seen glowing all alight whenever Hester Prynne walked abroad in the nighttime. And we must needs say it seared Hester’s bosom so deeply, that perhaps there was more truth in the rumor than our modern incredulity may be inclined to admit.

Throughout the novel, as Hester gains confidence in her strong work ethic, the scarlet letter comes to mean  able  instead of  adultery . It becomes a symbol of identity that Hester can wear proudly after changing its meaning with her charity and kindness. In this way, it parallels Hester’s character arc and symbolizes her character development.

3. Jane Austen,   Pride and Prejudice

Elizabeth has just been informed that her sister, Jane, has become ill at the Bingley residence, and she is determined to check in on her, no matter the obstacles in getting there:

“Is this a hint to me, Lizzy,” said her father, “to send for the horses?”

“No, indeed. I do not wish to avoid the walk. The distance is nothing, when one has a motive; only three miles.

Elizabeth is known for her love of walking, and as such, nature is a subtle symbol of the freedom her character requires and enjoys. She is grounded and a free spirit, unlike the characters around her, so this symbol helps the reader get a sense for her personality without Austen having to explain it.

Further Resources on Symbolism

Writers Helping Writers provides  five ways to use symbolism  in your writing.

Here is a  list of conventional symbols  found in literature and their meanings.

Michael Ferber’s book  A Dictionary of Literary Symbols  explains and illustrates classic symbols found in literature.

Related Terms

Symbolism Definition

What is symbolism? Here’s a quick and simple definition:

Symbolism is a literary device in which a writer uses one thing—usually a physical object or phenomenon—to represent something more abstract. A strong symbol usually shares a set of key characteristics with whatever it is meant to symbolize, or is related to it in some other way. Characters and events can also be symbolic. A famous example of a symbol in literature occurs in To Kill a Mockingbird , when Atticus tells his children Jem and Scout that it's a sin to kill a mockingbird because mockingbirds cause no harm to anyone; they just sing. Because of these traits, mockingbirds in the novel symbolize innocence and beauty, while killing a mockingbird symbolizes an act of senseless cruelty.

Some additional key details about symbolism:

• Symbolism can be very subtle, so it isn't always easy to identify or understand.
• It can sometimes be difficult to say whether an author intended for something to be symbolic or not.
• Symbolism allows writers to convey things to their readers poetically or indirectly rather than having to say them outright, which can make texts seem more nuanced and complex.

Symbolism Pronunciation

Here's how to pronounce symbolism: sim -buh-liz-uhm

Types of Symbolism

A symbol can be a physical object, a character, or an event. Here's a brief overview of how each type of symbolism works:

• Symbolism through physical objects: Most often, physical objects are used to symbolize an idea or concept, as a way of pointing the reader towards some of the basic themes that a work is dealing with. For example, a poet might write a poem about a flower dancing in the wind in order to convey a sense of innocence, harmony with nature, or sheer happiness.
• Symbolism through characters: Sometimes, characters themselves can serve as symbols—of a particular virtue or vice, or of a political ideology. For example, in Edmund Spenser's famous allegorical poem, The Faeirie Queene , the female knight Britomart is a symbol of the values of chastity and restraint, traits which many 16th-century readers held in high esteem.
• Symbolism through events: Events can also be symbolic. For example, while a character's long, wild hair might symbolize a period of youth or innocence, a scene in which the character chops off his or her long hair might symbolize a loss of innocence—or the sacrifices people have to make in the process of becoming a mature adult with responsibilities. While the act of cutting off the hair is neither an object nor a character, but it would still be an example of symbolism.

Identifying Symbolism

Writers employ a wide variety of symbols to deepen the meaning of their work. Some symbols, though, are much easier to identify than others. It's worth recognizing the ways that some symbols can be obvious, while others might be less so. For example, sea glass might be used as a fairly obvious symbol in one text, and a more subtle symbol in another:

• Sea glass as an obvious symbol: If a character in a story gives her son a piece of sea glass just before she dies, and the son then puts the sea glass on a necklace and wears it every day, that's a pretty clear example of something being symbolic: the sea glass represents the son's relationship with his mother, his grief at her passing, or perhaps even the more general concept of loss. In this example, the author might choose to describe how the son plays with his necklace obsessively in order to convey his ever present grief at the loss of his mother—instead of having to state it outright.
• Sea glass as a less-obvious symbol: If a character in a story delivers a monologue about sea glass in which they explain how something sharp and broken (a shard of glass) becomes smooth and beautiful only through years of being tossed about on the ocean's currents, it might over the course of the story come to be symbolic for the process of growing up or recovering from trauma—but not every reader will necessarily pick up on the symbolism. In this case, sea glass would be an example of a symbol that might be harder to identify as a symbol within the context of the story.

Is a Symbol Purposeful or Not?

In some cases, particularly when a symbol is subtle, it's not always even clear whether the author's use of symbolism is intentional, or whether the reader is supplying their own meaning of the text by "reading into" something as a symbol. That isn't a problem, though. In fact, it's one of the beautiful things about symbolism: whether symbolism can be said to be present in a text has as much to do with the reader's interpretation as the writer's intentions.

Symbol vs. Metaphor

At first glance, symbolism and metaphor can be difficult to distinguish from one another—both devices imbue a text with meaning beyond its literal sense, and both use one thing to represent something else. However, there are a few key differences between metaphor and symbolism:

• Metaphors compare two different things by stating that one thing is the other (e.g., your eyes are heaven). This doesn't happen in symbolism, where the relationship between a symbol and what it represents is not stated explicitly and one thing is not said to be the other thing. Instead, a symbol stands for or represents something else.
• Whereas a metaphor is used to compare one thing to another based on shared characteristics, symbols can but don't need to have any characteristics in common with what they represent. For instance, Annie Proulx's story Brokeback Mountain ends with one character taking in the smell of a shirt that was once worn by his lost love. The shirt doesn't have any characteristics in common with the lover—it symbolizes him only insofar as it once belonged to him.

Symbolism and Allegory

An allegory is a work that conveys a moral through the use of symbolic characters and events. Not every work that incorporates symbols is an allegory; rather, an allegory is a story in which the majority of characters and plot developments serve as symbols for something else, or in which the entire storyline is symbolic of a broader phenomenon in society.

For example, the characters in Edmund Spenser's allegorical poem The Faerie Queene are not very complex or deep characters: they're meant to embody virtues or ideas more than they are meant to resemble real people. By contrast, Hester Prynne (the protagonist of Nathaniel Hawthorne's highly symbolic novel, The Scarlet Letter ) exhibits a great deal of complexity and individuality as a character beyond whatever she may symbolize, so it doesn't really make sense to say that The Scarlet Letter is an allegory about adultery; rather, it's a novel that is literally about adultery that has symbolic aspects. In short, all allegories are highly symbolic, but not all symbolic writing is allegorical.

Symbolism Examples

Symbolism is very common is all sorts of narrative literature, poetry, film, and even speeches.

Examples of Symbolism in Literature

Authors frequently incorporate symbolism into their work, because symbols engage readers on an emotional level and succinctly convey large and complex ideas.

Symbolism in Annie Proulx's "Brokeback Mountain"

The following passage from Annie Proulx's short story "Brokeback Mountain" describes a character named Ennis's visit to the childhood home of a lost lover named Jack. There, Ennis finds an old shirt of his nestled inside of one of Jack's shirts.

At the north end of the closet a tiny jog in the wall made a slight hiding place and here, stiff with long suspension from a nail, hung a shirt. He lifted it off the nail. Jack’s old shirt from Brokeback days. The dried blood on the sleeve was his own blood, a gushing nosebleed on the last afternoon on the mountain when Jack, in their contortionistic grappling and wrestling, had slammed Ennis’s nose hard with his knee. He had stanched the blood, which was everywhere, all over both of them, with his shirtsleeve, but the stanching hadn’t held, because Ennis had suddenly swung from the deck and laid the ministering angel out in the wild columbine, wings folded. The shirt seemed heavy until he saw there was another shirt inside it, the sleeves carefully worked down inside Jack’s sleeves. It was his own plaid shirt, lost, he’d thought, long ago in some damn laundry, his dirty shirt, the pocket ripped, buttons missing, stolen by Jack and hidden here inside Jack’s own shirt, the pair like two skins, one inside the other, two in one. He pressed his face into the fabric and breathed in slowly through his mouth and nose, hoping for the faintest smoke and mountain sage and salty sweet stink of Jack, but there was no real scent, only the memory of it, the imagined power of Brokeback Mountain of which nothing was left but what he held in his hands.

Proulx's description of the shirts sounds like it could be a description of the feeling of intimacy shared between lovers: she writes that they are "like two skins, one inside the other, two in one." The shirts symbolize the love the two men shared, but Proulx avoids having to explain Ennis's feelings directly by using symbolism in her description of the shirts, instead.

Symbolism in Percy Bysshe Shelley's "Ozymandias "

In the sonnet "Ozymandias," Shelley uses the story of an encounter with a decaying monument to illustrate the destructive power of nature, the fleetingness of man's political accomplishments, and the longevity of art.

I met a traveller from an antique land Who said: Two vast and trunkless legs of stone Stand in the desert. Near them, on the sand, Half sunk, a shattered visage lies, whose frown, And wrinkled lip, and sneer of cold command, Tell that its sculptor well those passions read Which yet survive, stamped on these lifeless things, The hand that mocked them, and the heart that fed; And on the pedestal these words appear: "My name is Ozymandias, king of kings: Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair!" Nothing beside remains. Round the decay Of that colossal wreck, boundless and bare The lone and level sands stretch far away.

The symbolism in Shelley's poem transforms the half-sunken monument into a powerful representation of the passage of time. The poem reminds readers that natural forces will put an end to the reign of all empires and the lives of every person, whether king or commoner. In the final lines, the poem juxtaposes two very different symbols: the fallen statue, greatly reduced from its former size, and the huge, barren, and unchanging desert. The statue of Ozymandias is therefore symbolic of man's mortality and smallness in the face time and nature.

Symbolism in Ralph Ellison's Invisible Man

In Chapter Ten of I nvisible Man , the book's protagonist goes to work at the Liberty Paints Factory—the maker of a paint "so white you can paint a chunk of coal and you'd have to crack it open with a sledge hammer to prove it wasn't white clear through"—where he is surprised to learn that the recipe for the brilliant white paint actually calls for the addition of a few drops of black paint. The symbolism of the black paint disappearing into the white is a direct reference to the "invisibility" of black people in America—one of the major themes of Ellison's book.

"The idea is to open each bucket and put in ten drops of this stuff," he said. "Then you stir it 'til it disappears. After it's mixed you take this brush and paint out a sample on one of these." He produced a number of small rectangular boards and a small brush from his jacket pocket. "You understand?" "Yes, sir." But when I looked into the white graduate I hesitated; the liquid inside was dead black. Was he trying to kid me?

Symbolism in Film

Filmmakers often endow particular objects with emotional significance. These visual symbols may shed light on a character's motivations or play an important role later on in the film.

Symbolism in Orson Welles's Citizen Kane

In the closing scene of Orson Welles' Citizen Kane , the camera pans to a sled with the word "Rosebud" printed on it—the same word that is uttered by the newspaper magnate Charles Foster Kane on his deathbed. The movie itself portrays Kane's ruthless efforts to consolidate power in his industry. Yet in his final moments, he recalls the sled associated with the happier days of his youth. The "Rosebud" sled can be described as a symbol of Kane's youthful innocence and idealism, of which he lost sight in his pursuit of power. The sled is one of the most famous symbols in all of film.

Symbolism In Speeches

Orators often turn to symbolism for the same reasons writers do—symbols can add emotional weight to a speech and can stand-in for broad themes and central parts of their argument.

Symbolism in John F. Kennedy's 1961 Inaugural Address

In the opening lines of his 1961 inaugural address , President Kennedy claims that his inauguration is the symbol of a new era in American history, defined by both reverence for the past and innovation in the years to come:

We observe today not a victory of party but a celebration of freedom—symbolizing an end as well as a beginning—signifying renewal as well as change. For I have sworn before you and Almighty God the same solemn oath our forbears prescribed nearly a century and three-quarters ago.

Here, President Kennedy argues on behalf of the symbolic significance of his election, suggesting that his Inauguration Day stands for the progress in America that is soon to come. Though it's not an especially subtle use of symbolism, Kennedy's assertion that his first day in office represents the first of many steps forward for America likely had a considerable emotional impact on his audience.

Symbolism in Barack Obama's Speech on the 50th Anniversary of the Selma Marches

In his speech on the 50th anniversary of the 1965 Selma to Montgomery voting rights marches , President Obama casts the Edmund Pettus Bridge (in Selma, Alabama) as a symbol of American progress and resilience.

The American instinct that led these young men and women to pick up the torch and cross this bridge is the same instinct that moved patriots to choose revolution over tyranny. It’s the same instinct that drew immigrants from across oceans and the Rio Grande; the same instinct that led women to reach for the ballot and workers to organize against an unjust status quo; the same instinct that led us to plant a flag at Iwo Jima and on the surface of the Moon.

In this example, President Obama paid tribute to the activists who were beaten brutally by state troopers after crossing the Edmund Pettus Bridge during a 1965 demonstration in Selma, Alabama. Likening their perseverance in the face of police brutality to other prominent examples of American resistance, such as the American Revolution, Obama claims that the demonstrators symbolize a quintessential American trait: a commitment to securing and protecting personal freedom. Thus, in Obama's speech, crossing the bridge can be said to function as a symbol of the long struggle for civil rights.

Why Do Writers Use Symbolism?

It's hard to find a work of literature that lacks any kind of symbolism. Symbolism is an important literary device for creating complex narratives because it enables writers to convey important information without having to state things directly. In addition, the use of symbolism is widespread because it can:

• Help readers visualize complex concepts and central themes, and track their development.
• Afford writers the opportunity to communicate big ideas efficiently and artfully.
• Invite readers to interpret a text independently, rather than be directly told what the author means.
• Add emotional weight to a text.
• Conceal themes that are too controversial to state openly.
• Imply change or growth in characters or themes through shifts in the way that characters interact with particular symbols, or ways in which the symbols themselves change over time.

Other Helpful Symbolism Resources

• The Wikipedia Page on Symbols : A rather theoretical account of symbolism, which delves into competing definitions of the term that might be more complicated or detailed than is necessary for many readers. Still, the page demonstrates just how pervasive symbolism is in language and thought.
• Cracked's List of 7 Films With Symbolism You Didn't Notice : Though the author's speculations verge on conspiracy theories at times, at its best, the list demonstrates how artists might use symbols to bury risqué themes in works for popular consumption.
• The HyperTexts Page on The Best Symbols in Poetry and Literature : The explanations here aren't especially in-depth—certainly not as sophisticated as the symbols they discuss. Still, this is useful as a survey of poems by major writers with examples of concrete, object-based symbolism.

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Literary Theory and Criticism

Home › Symbolism

By NASRULLAH MAMBROL on December 12, 2020 • ( 0 )

Symbolism, an aesthetic movement devoted primarily to discovering the true nature of poetry, originated in France in the latter half of the nineteenth century. Charles Baudelaire and Stéphane Mallarmé, the central figures in the theory and practice of symbolism in France, developed Edgar Allan Poe ‘s major premise about the poetic principle—that poetry is an evocation of eternal states through the discrete image or symbol— into a program for purifying poetry of the nonpoetic. The artists we classify as Symbolists aimed at purifying their art of all that was nonessential (some, such as Villiers de Lisle Adam, were dramatists; a few, such as J. K. Huysmans, were novelists). Symbolist poets such as Paul Verlaine and Arthur Rimbaud, for example, rejected both the superficial rhetoric of argument and discussion and the dense notation of description and narration, all things that had obscured the true nature of poetry, in favor of the severe purity of a symbolic lyricism. The Symbolist poem was necessarily short, evocative, and mysterious.

Symbolism was introduced into the English-speaking world by Verlaine’s friend Arthur Symons (1865-1945). In The Symbolist Movement in Literature (1899) Symons argues that symbolism is the essence of language and literature: our first words were symbolic, and all truly imaginative writers have been symbolists. Symbolism became a conscious movement in the late nineteenth century as a necessary reaction against the dense, descriptive method of the naturalistic school of Émile Zola and others. The Symbolists restored purity to the arts, Symons maintains, by suggesting rather than saying, by evoking through symbols rather than submitting to the “old bondage of rhetoric, the old bondage of exteriority” (5) and describing through the logic of argument or the record of details. Symbols both reveal and conceal: they blend the visible and the invisible, the particular and the universal, the finite and the infinite. Symbols communicate indirectly: concrete images, such as the rose or the cross, summon up emotional and intellectual associations that cannot be precisely numbered or named.

The Symbolist method focuses on these internal associations and frees poetic language from the restraints of logical sequence or referential accuracy. This “liberty,” as Symons calls it, from the governing principles of common discourse restores the “authentic speech” of mystery to literature. “Start with an enigma, and then withdraw the key to the enigma” (72), Symons counsels those who would approach the Symbolist method. Often this insistence on mystery leads to a dark obscurity of language, especially with a symbol system in which the correspondences between the concrete term and its multiple associations seem private to the artist. Many of the writers Symons discusses, however, draw their symbols from traditional sources of hermetic or occult doctrine, like the Rosicrucian symbol system Villiers weaves into the fabric of his Axel. The true sources of Symbolism, Symons concludes, lie in ancient systems of mysticism, and the true purpose of the movement was to evoke the presence of the infinite and confirm the possibility of immortality through the associative network of symbols, ancient and modern.

Symons’s presentation of the method and mysteries of the French Symbolists exerted a profound influenc

e on the new generation of writers in English. T. S. Eliot acknowledged this influence when he said in 1930: “I myself owe Mr. Symons a great debt: but for having read his book I should not .. . have begun to read Verlaine; and but for reading Verlaine, I should not have heard of Corbière” (Symons xv). Symons himself was influenced and directed in his understanding of Symbolism by the poet he described as the “chief representative of that movement in our country” (xix) and to whom he dedicated his book, W. B. Yeats (1865-1939). Although Yeats was deeply impressed by Villiers’s Axel, which he saw in 1894, he derived his Symbolist principles from his studies in magic and Irish mythology and from his pioneering study (with Edwin Ellis, 1891) of the prophetic books of William Blake, a poet he regarded as the preeminent Symbolist. Yeats made his major theoretical statements on the method of Symbolism in a series of essays written from 1896 to 1903 collected under the title Ideas of Good and Evil (a title borrowed from Blake).

In an essay on Percy Bysshe Shelley, another of his Symbolist precursors, Yeats argues that “there is for every man some one scene, some one adventure, some one picture that is the image of his secret life, for wisdom first speaks in images” ( Essays 95). If the man or woman is a true poet, then his or her particular image (for Shelley a boat drifting down a river between towered hills and toward a distant star) blends into a universal and invisible order. “An image that has transcended particular time and place becomes,” Yeats writes, “a symbol, passes beyond death, as it were, and becomes a living soul” (80). Although he maintains that “it is only by ancient symbols … that any highly subjective art can escape from the barrenness and shallowness of a too conscious arrangement, into the abundance and depth of Nature” (87), he finally makes no distinction between what he calls “inherent symbols and arbitrary symbols” in his essay “Magic” (49). Both species of symbol, traditional and private, evoke the presence of the infinite, or what Yeats calls the Great Mind and Great Memory. The borders of our field of awareness, Yeats declares, are not closed, and our individual mind can become part of this larger consciousness only through the network of symbols. Neither metaphor nor allegory can fulfill this poetic principle: Symbolism alone evokes the richness of the Great Mind and Memory.

This Memory, which transcends and connects each individual mind, provided Symbolism with a theory or explanation of both the process of writing and the experience of reading. The Memory was evoked through the medium of certain conditions of consciousness, moments of trance, contemplation, or “the moment when we are both asleep and awake” ( Essays 159), moments prolonged in the rapt attention of reading. “So I think,” Yeats argued in “The Symbolism of Poetry,” a crucial essay from Ideas of Good and Evil , “that in the making and in the understanding of a work of art, and the more easily if it is full of patterns and symbols and music, we are lured to the threshold of sleep” (160). In this threshold or medial state, produced by a rapt attention to the rhythm of the work, the reader joins the artist in the work of evocative creation. “The purpose of rhythm,” Yeats maintains, “is to prolong the moment of contemplation, the moment when we are both asleep and awake, which is the one moment of creation” (159). In this prolonged moment, making and understanding, the production and reception of the text, are joined and created through the intersubjective Memory.

In his poetry, in his making, Yeats was, as Paul de Man has noted (153-62), a Symbolist from the beginning. Before he had any experience of the French writers, he worked in the Symbolist method, evoking in his early poetry ( The Rose , 1893) the rose and cross of the Rosicrucian symbol system he afterwards saw enacted in Villiers’s Axel. Later he sought for a more arbitrary symbolism, for a system of images available in his direct experience of contemporary Ireland that could become the symbolic vehicle of the Great Memory. The violence and meanness as well as the heroism and extravagance of Irish life provided him occasionally with symbols that balanced his lifelong interest in the esoteric symbols of the occult. With his purchase of a ruined tower in the west of Ireland, he finally found a symbol both arbitrary and inherent, both particular to his secret life and universal within the ancient occult traditions. This tower, an image of hermetic wisdom made a symbol through long usage in Milton, Shelley, and others, inspired much of Yeats’s best poetry in The Tower (1928) and later volumes. The occult disciplines, which were, in Yeats’s view, ancient systems for evoking the Great Memory through the manipulation of symbols, remained his deepest inspiration and exerted a profound influence on Per Arnica Silentia Lunae, his mystical-poetic statement of 1917 (now in Mythologies ), and on A Vision , his cosmological system completed first in 1925 and then in 1937. For Yeats, as for Symons, the true meaning of Symbolism lay in the mystical evocation of infinitude.

Although Symbolism influenced other major writers of the twentieth century in very different ways—Wallace Stevens, for example, discovered there a precursor to his secular and euphonic metapoetry—the Symbolist image of the poet pursuing the essence of poetry into mystic solitude remained dominant. This image informed the two most influential critical studies of Symbolism in English: Edmund Wilson’s Axel’s Castle (1931), a study centered on the consequences of Yeats’s fascination with Villiers’s drama, and Frank Kermode’s Romantic Image (1957), an analysis of several of Yeats’s key symbols (the dancer and the tree).

Symbolism, Aestheticism and Charles Baudelaire

Symbolist Movement in Poetry

Walter Pater and Aestheticism

Bibliogaphy Arthur Symons, The Symbolist Movement in Literature (1899, rev. ed., 1908,1919, intro. Richard Ellmann, 1958); Philippe Auguste Villiers de 1 ‘Isle Adam, Axel (trans. June Guicharnaud, 1970); W. B. Yeats, Essays and Introductions (1961), Mythologies (1959), A Vision (1925, rev. ed., 1937). Paul De Man, “Image and Emblem in Yeats,” The Rhetoric of Romanticism (1984); Frank Kermode, Romantic Image (1957); Giorgio Melchiori, The Whole Mystery of Art: Pattern into Poetry in the Work ofW. B. Yeats (i960); David Perkins, A History of Modern Poetry: From the 1890s to the High Modernist Mode (1976); Edmund Wilson, Axel’s Castle: A Study in the Imaginative Literature of1870-1930 (1931)· Source: Groden, Michael, and Martin Kreiswirth. The Johns Hopkins Guide to Literary Theory and Criticism. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press, 1994.

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Symbolism describes the use of concrete images to convey abstract ideas. Because this literary device is widely open to interpretation, and because many readers form different relationships to concrete objects, this is one of the more slippery elements of literature to both understand and convey to an audience. Nonetheless, understanding symbolism, and knowing what is a symbol, are crucial to writing good poetry and prose.

What makes symbolism particularly tricky is understanding how an image is being employed in the text. For example, fire can represent destruction and evil, but it can also represent regrowth and the cycles of life. So, this article demystifies the complexities of symbolism in literature. Along the way, we’ll look at symbolism examples in poetry and fiction, before moving towards how to represent abstract ideas in your work.

What is symbolism in literature, and how do you wield it? Let’s define this slippery concept.

Symbolism Contents

What is a Symbol?

Symbolism in literature, symbolism in poetry.

• Universal Symbolism: Does It Exist?

Wielding Symbolism in Your Writing

Symbolism definition: what is symbolism in literature.

Symbolism refers to the use of representational imagery : the writer employs an image with a deeper, non-literal meaning, for the purpose of conveying complex ideas.

In literature, symbolism is the use of a concrete image to represent an abstract idea.

For example, the heart is often employed as a symbol of love. Obviously, love is more complex and full-bodied—it doesn’t just sit in the chest—but we constantly refer to a loving person as “having a big heart,” or a person who lost their love as “heartbroken.”

Sometimes, a symbol is the stepping stone for an extended metaphor . If the heart represents love, what does it mean when a heart is iced over, or two hearts beat in the same chest, or someone has the heart of a deer? While a good symbol can certainly stand on its own, it also creates opportunities to play with ideas in a way that abstract language prevents us from doing.

That said, a symbol is not a metaphor. Symbolism uses a relevant image to convey a relevant idea, whereas a metaphor compares two seemingly unrelated items. Unlike metaphors and similes, symbolism employs a symbolic image repeatedly through the text, with the intent of being a central image and idea of the text.

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The trickiest part of understanding symbolism in literature is knowing which images are symbols, and why. To answer this, we must first dive deeper into the images themselves. What is a symbol?

A symbol is an image whose figurative meaning is much deeper than its literal one. It is an object, often ordinary and commonplace, that has been imbued with extraordinary significance.

What is a symbol: an image whose figurative meaning is much deeper than its literal one.

Some symbols are culturally specific. An example of a symbol that varies by culture is that of a marriage proposal. While many countries use engagement rings as a symbol of being betrothed,  the people of Wales often uses “ lovespoons ” to signify one’s partnership. In Thailand, a marriage proposal might be signified by a thong mun —gifts made out of gold.

Other symbols are either more universal, or else easily inferred from the text. For example, in The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, a green light represents all that is unreachable to Jay Gatsby. He sees a green light on the other side of the sound, where his love interest, Daisy, lives. Not only is Daisy unreachable, but so is everything she and the green light represents: the (perceived) stability and decadence of the American Dream.

Perhaps there is also symbolism in the color green itself: it is the color of money, and the “go” color of stoplights. This last interpretation is certainly laden with irony , because chasing his dreams is exactly what kills Jay Gatsby.

Because the green light is so far away from Jay, and because he’s never able to touch it (or Daisy, for that matter), it obviously represents some sort of unreachability. Because this image recurs throughout the novel, it is a clear example of symbolism—so much so, that the green light has become nearly universally understood, to the point that Lorde has a song inspired by the symbol.

Symbolism Examples

Symbolism operates slightly differently in poetry than in prose, primarily because of the differences in word choice and length in poetry vs prose . A symbol tends to recur in prose, in such a way that it becomes a motif or builds towards a broader theme . Each recurrence of the symbol complicates the idea that the image represents.

Because poetry tends to be shorter, it also tends to employ symbols more economically. Symbolism in poetry may be harder to interpret or understand, as the poem does not provide as much context for the reader, and thus requires the reader to make more inferences and interpretations.

As such, we’ll look at symbolism examples differently in prose and poetry. The below symbolism examples come from published works of literature.

“Big Mother” by Anya Ow

Read this short story here, in Strange Horizons .

Central symbol: Big Mother, a mythical snakehead fish.

What it represents: The loss of childhood innocence.

Symbolism examples in the text: Catching snakehead fish seems to be a rite of passage into adulthood: the oldest boy is obsessed with catching them. What’s more, when an uncle finds out that the children have caught snakeheads, he trusts them with his favorite rod. When the oldest boy misses out on catching Big Mother, he becomes obsessed with capturing this symbol of adulthood. Then, when he does catch Big Mother, she ensnares him. The only way to ensure the oldest boy’s safety is to bargain their current lives for their future ones.

Analysis: Big Mother represents the complicated relationship people have to adulthood. The children all glorify her at first, but the eldest children realize the sacrifice they must make to save themselves from her wrath. This darkens the moods of the eldest children, as they come to understand the permanence of adulthood, the fragility of innocence. What at first seems mystical and fantastic about the real world is actually laden with terror.

The fact that the river is paved over further complicates this theme. While the characters are saved from the fate they sealed, they also catapult further into a world that replaces magic and mystery with the practical and mundane.

Hamlet by William Shakespeare

You can read the full play here, from Project Gutenberg.

HAMLET: Alas, poor Yorick. I knew him, Horatio, a fellow of infinite jest, of most excellent fancy. He hath borne me on his back a thousand times; and now, how abhorred in my imagination it is! My gorge rises at it. Here hung those lips that I have kiss’d I know not how oft. Where be your gibes now? your gambols? your songs? your flashes of merriment, that were wont to set the table on a roar? Not one now, to mock your own grinning? Quite chop-fallen? Now get you to my lady’s chamber, and tell her, let her paint an inch thick, to this favour she must come. Make her laugh at that.

HAMLET: No, faith, not a jot. But to follow him thither with modesty enough, and likelihood to lead it; as thus. Alexander died, Alexander was buried, Alexander returneth into dust; the dust is earth; of earth we make loam; and why of that loam whereto he was converted might they not stop a beer-barrel?

Imperious Caesar, dead and turn’d to clay, Might stop a hole to keep the wind away. O, that that earth which kept the world in awe Should patch a wall t’expel the winter’s flaw. But soft! but soft! aside! Here comes the King. The Queen, the courtiers. Who is that they follow? And with such maimed rites? This doth betoken The corse they follow did with desperate hand Fordo it own life. ’Twas of some estate. Couch we awhile and mark.

Symbol: Yorick’s skull.

What it represents: The inherent meaninglessness of life.

Symbolism examples in the text: Although many symbols recur through their texts, this symbol occurs exactly once. In Act V Scene I, Prince Hamlet comes across the skull of Yorick, his former jester. This encounter occurs towards the end of the play, after Hamlet’s depression, nihilism, and helplessness have radically altered his perspective of the world.

Analysis: Hamlet’s contemplation of Yorick’s skull reveals his belief that our lives are inherently meaningless. That Yorick used to make people laugh matters little, because now he can make people laugh no more. He is fated to the same end that the likes of Alexander and Caesar were fated towards, too. Hamlet’s contemplation here is especially meaningful, given that he is trying to avenge his father’s murder. Because he is visited by his father’s ghost, Hamlet tries to believe that a person’s life can have meaning after death; but, his father cannot avenge himself, so what meaning is there left to have, unless we, the living, remind ourselves of it?

It is strange to have an important symbol occupy such a small space in as long a text as Hamlet. The importance of this symbol stems partially from its endurance in pop culture: Yorick’s skull has inspired many novels, poems, songs, and works of art. Additionally, it is a memento mori , or reminder of death, which is a prominent theme in European artwork in the 16th and 17th centuries.

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

The full text of Jane Eyre can be retrieved here, from Project Gutenberg.

Symbol: The Red Room.

What it represents: The childhood obstacles Jane must overcome to achieve a life of happiness and freedom.

Symbolism examples in the text: We encounter the Red Room in Chapter 2. Jane is locked inside the Red Room by her unfair aunt after Jane stands up for herself against John Reed, her cousin. The Red Room is also where Jane’s uncle died. Jane and her cousins believe that the room is haunted by this uncle, so when Jane is locked inside, she first focuses on the injustice of it all, but then becomes so consumed by fear, and by her belief that her uncle might rise up from the dead, that she blacks out. Jane references this episode several times later in the novel, often to reflect on her journey.

Analysis: The color red is no accident: it represents anger, passion, fear, and intensity. Jane experiences all of this when her aunt imprisons her at only ten years old. The obvious symbolism here is that pure, righteous Jane is imprisoned inside the angry, intense wrath of her unloving family, but the novel encourages us to explore this further. The Red Room represents Jane’s ambivalent relationships to adults: they are always authoritarian, always ready to punish, and always ready to trap Jane inside their own worst impulses.

One possible interpretation of the color red is that it represents period blood, and thus the transition from childhood to adulthood. Jane is forced to be an adult before she’s ready, maturely handling the emotions of other adults when she’s still an innocent child.

Madeleine Wood argues that the Red Room continues to affect Jane, because her relationships to adults as a child manifests itself in her relationships to men as an adult. Remember, the society Jane grew up in was heavily patriarchal: grown women had to always defer to men as authorities. Yet, Jane desires freedom more than anything else, both as a child and as an adult, so the institutions of marriage and the patriarchy fundamentally challenge her freedoms. When she reflects on the Red Room as an adult, it is always juxtaposed to her relationship with a man. She even thinks about the Red Room after walking out on Rochester, an important suitor of hers in the novel.

Only when Jane is comfortable with herself and confident in her freedom is she able to find love and happiness, thus overcoming the burden symbolized by the Red Room.

“My Heart Leaps Up” by William Wordsworth

Retrieved here, from Academy of American Poets . 

My heart leaps up when I behold A rainbow in the sky: So was it when my life began; So is it now I am a man; So be it when I shall grow old, Or let me die! The Child is father of the Man; And I could wish my days to be Bound each to each by natural piety.

Here’s an example of poetry with symbolism in which the symbol is employed only once, but very effectively. The rainbow represents the kind of natural beauty that children are best at admiring. If you remember observing nature as a child, you might remember being moved by a rainbow, or by a forest, or a desert, or by any number of beautiful things that abound on this Earth. Wordsworth asserts that “The Child is father of the Man” precisely because children are inspired by natural beauty in a way that adults are not. We have much to learn from kids and their relationship to our planet, and as an adult, this poem’s speaker hope to worship this beauty—”bound each [day] to each [day] by natural piety.”

“City Lake” by Chelsea DesAutels

Retrieved here, from The Slowdown.

Almost dusk. Fishermen packing up their bait, a small girl singing there’s nothing in here nothing in here casting a yellow pole, glancing at her father. What is it they say about mercy? Five summers ago this lake took a child’s life. Four summers ago it saved mine, the way the willows stretch toward the water but never kiss it, how people laugh as they walk the concrete path or really have it out with someone they love. One spring the path teemed with baby frogs, so many flattened, so many jumping. I didn’t know a damn thing then. I thought I was waiting for something to happen. I stepped carefully over the dead frogs and around the live ones. What was I waiting for? Frogs to rain from the sky? A great love? The little girl spies a perch just outside her rod’s reach. She wants to wade in. She won’t catch the fish and even if she does it might be full of mercury. Still, I want her to roll up her jeans and step into the water, tell her it’s mercy, not mud, filling each impression her feet make. I’m not saying she should be grateful to be alive. I’m saying mercy is a big dark lake we’re all swimming in.

This poem tells you precisely what the central symbol represents: the lake symbolizes mercy. Yet, the two have no easy relationship, and the poem constantly complicates the concept of mercy itself. Rather than highlight the grace of mercy—how wonderful it is to be saved—this poem reminds us that mercy is just a form of chance: random with whom it saves and with whom it doesn’t. No matter how well the narrator “steps carefully” through the lake, she can never predict how and why anyone receives mercy.

“Because I could not stop for Death” by Emily Dickinson

Retrieved here, from Poetry .

Because I could not stop for Death – He kindly stopped for me – The Carriage held but just Ourselves – And Immortality.

We slowly drove – He knew no haste And I had put away My labor and my leisure too, For His Civility –

We passed the School, where Children strove At Recess – in the Ring – We passed the Fields of Gazing Grain – We passed the Setting Sun –

Or rather – He passed Us – The Dews drew quivering and Chill – For only Gossamer, my Gown – My Tippet – only Tulle –

We paused before a House that seemed A Swelling of the Ground – The Roof was scarcely visible – The Cornice – in the Ground –

Since then – ’tis Centuries – and yet Feels shorter than the Day I first surmised the Horses’ Heads Were toward Eternity –

This poem employs a lot of symbols, most notably in the third stanza. The images used each signify a different stage of life. The school represents childhood. The fields of gazing grain represent adulthood—grain is fertile, in its prime, and it “gazes” upwards towards the sky. The setting sun represents old age. Though each of these symbols are employed only once, they are certainly evocative in the context of Death personified, as the poem suggests each of us are on a horse drawn carriage towards the afterlife.

Universal Symbolism: Does it Exist?

The theorist Erich Fromm divides symbolism into three categories: conventional, accidental, and universal symbolism.

Conventional S ymbolism is closely related to concrete imagery. Essentially, it is the use of images which everyone in a particular language can understand. When I say “light bulb,” you imagine some sort of glass bulb with a filament inside. We might have different mental images, but we agree on the same meaning. This is a non-interpretive form of symbolism, and in semiotics , we’re essentially referring to the sign, signifier, and signified.

Accidental S ymbolism might be best described as specific to a certain person. We form relationships to objects all the time: some positive, some negative. A character might form a specific relationship to an object, and that relationship will continue to affect this character throughout the story. For example, let’s say your character won the lottery using a $5 bill they found on the street. They might assume that every time they find a $5, something lucky is about to happen, making that $5 bill a symbol of luck.

Finally, Universal Symbolism refers to images which, over time, have developed a symbolic meaning that we all instantly recognize. These symbols are understood across time and culture: a heart represents love, the sky represents limitlessness, and a fire represents power—or destruction, or rebirth, depending on how it’s employed.

However, don’t be misled by the word “universal”—it is better to see these categories as postmarks along a spectrum, as few, if any, symbols would actually be understood by every person in the world.

Additionally, don’t assume that “universal” is automatically better. Because these symbols are well understood, they are also often cliché . It is important to employ imagery in fresh, interesting ways, using the context of your work to discover new and surprising relationships between images and ideas. Often, using a poem or story to expand upon the accidental symbols (of your life or the lives of your characters) will result in more impactful imagery.

Lastly, you may be interested in the idea of the “ objective correlative .” An objective correlative is a device that makes an abstract idea concrete in the context of a piece of literature. An obvious example of this is the mirror in The Picture of Dorian Gray , which represents Dorian’s soul as it becomes corrupted by vanity. T. S. Eliot, who popularized the term, argues that a work of literature should arrange images and symbols precisely so that they evoke a certain meaning without telling us the meaning itself. It is, in essence, a way to exercise show, don’t tell .

Here’s some advice for employing symbolism in literature:

• Be concrete. Use images that are easy to visualize and grounded in everyday reality.
• Be specific. Show the reader exactly what the symbol looks like. The more physical detail you provide, the easier it is to explore the complexities of what your symbol represents.
• Prefer the accidental to the universal. There’s no problem with employing universal symbolism, but you should have at least one accidental symbol in your work, as it will often reveal the most about the story or poem you write.
• Be spontaneous. Don’t write with symbolism in mind, just employ imagery tactfully. Writers often don’t realize what their work means until after they’ve written and revised it; trying to muscle meaning into your work might limit the work’s possibilities.
• Don’t overthink it. There’s no “perfect image” to represent any particular idea. We all forge our own relationships to different objects. Sure, the heart can represent love. So can the dining table, a lightning strike, the stomach, the ocean, or a pair of shoes.

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this is great information – I shared it with my Facebook group – The Fringe 999 – we emerging artist and are always looking for information like this – thank you

Thank you, Laura! I’m glad you found this article helpful. Happy writing!

Very educational and enlightened. I learned a lot from the article. Thank you.

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Symbolism in Literature

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What is symbolism in literature.

Symbolism is the use of symbols to signify ideas and qualities by giving them symbolic meanings that are different from their literal sense. It’s a powerful literary device that can add depth and insight to a work of literature. Let’s explore this concept further, including its definition and examples, how symbolism is used, and how you can use it in your writing.

Historical Background

Symbolism has been a part of human expression for thousands of years, but it became a prominent movement in literature in the late 19th century. The Symbolist movement originated in France and quickly spread to other parts of Europe and beyond. Writers like Charles Baudelaire and Stéphane Mallarmé were instrumental in its development.

Types of symbolism: Definition and Examples

Universal symbols.

Universal symbols are those that carry the same meaning across various cultures and societies. These symbols transcend cultural boundaries and tap into shared human experiences and emotions. For example, the color red often symbolizes love, passion, or danger, while the color green may represent growth, envy, or renewal. Other examples include the dove, which universally symbolizes peace, and the heart, symbolizing love and emotion. Universal symbols are powerful because they can be understood by readers from diverse backgrounds, creating a connection that goes beyond the specific context of the story.

Contextual Symbols

Contextual symbols are those that are attributed with symbolic significance within the particular literary context. Unlike universal symbols, their meanings may not be immediately apparent outside the story. For example, the green light in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby” symbolizes Gatsby’s hope and dreams for the future, particularly his desire to be reunited with Daisy. This symbol becomes a driving force throughout the novel, reflecting Gatsby’s obsession and unattainable desires. Contextual symbols allow authors to create unique and tailored symbolism that resonates with the particular themes and characters of their work.

An allegory is a kind of symbolism where an entire story, poem, or novel is used to represent something else. It’s a metaphor in which characters or events represent ideas and concepts. Allegories often convey moral, political, or philosophical messages. A famous example is George Orwell’s “Animal Farm,” where the farm and its animal inhabitants represent the Russian Revolution and subsequent Soviet regime. Through the use of allegory, authors can create multi-layered narratives that engage readers on both a literal and symbolic level, encouraging them to explore deeper meanings and connections.

A motif is a recurring symbol or theme in a literary work. It can be an object, a phrase, a sentence, or a concept that adds to the overall symbolism of the work. It often reinforce or illuminate the central themes of a story, creating patterns and connections that enhance the reader’s understanding. For example, in Shakespeare’s “Macbeth,” the motif of blood recurs throughout the play, symbolizing guilt and the inescapable consequences of violent actions. Similarly, in Toni Morrison’s “Beloved,” the motif of water represents both life and death, connecting different parts of the story. Motifs provide cohesion and depth, allowing readers to see connections and patterns that might otherwise be overlooked.

Examples of Symbolism in Literature

• “The Scarlet Letter” by Nathaniel Hawthorne : The letter ‘A’ is a multifaceted symbol in this novel. Initially, it is used to symbolize adultery, marking Hester Prynne as an adulteress. As the story progresses, the meaning of the letter shifts and evolves. It comes to also represent ‘able,’ reflecting Hester’s strength and independence. Towards the end of the novel, some even interpret it as ‘angel,’ symbolizing Hester’s transformation and redemption. The changing symbolism of the letter ‘A’ mirrors the complex themes of sin, guilt, and identity in the novel.
• “Moby Dick” by Herman Melville : The white whale, Moby Dick, is a symbol laden with multiple meanings. On one level, it represents the unknown and the terrifying power of nature, representing the sublime and uncontrollable forces that humans cannot tame. On another level, it becomes a personal symbol for Captain Ahab, representing his obsession and desire for vengeance. The whale’s elusiveness and power become a metaphor for the human struggle against the incomprehensible and indifferent universe.
• “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding : In this novel, the conch shell symbolizes law and order, representing the boys’ initial attempts to establish rules and maintain civilization on the island. As the shell’s physical state deteriorates, so does the social structure, reflecting the breakdown of order. The pig’s head, on the other hand, symbolizes the evil inherent in humanity. Known as the “Lord of the Flies,” it becomes a terrifying image of the savagery that lurks beneath the surface of human nature, revealing the dark side of humanity when societal norms are stripped away.
• “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee : The mockingbird is a poignant symbol of innocence and goodness in this novel. It represents the idea that it is a sin to harm something that does no harm itself. The symbol is linked to characters like Tom Robinson and Arthur “Boo” Radley, who are innocent and good but suffer due to the prejudices and injustices of society. The mockingbird becomes a metaphor for the loss of innocence and the moral conscience of the community.
• Short Stories by Edgar Allan Poe : Poe’s use of symbolism often carries a single, focused meaning, adding depth and complexity to his dark and mysterious tales. For example, in “The Tell-Tale Heart,” the beating heart symbolizes guilt and conscience, relentlessly tormenting the protagonist. In “The Masque of the Red Death,” the color red symbolizes death and the inevitability of mortality, a theme that permeates the entire story. Poe’s symbolism is often linked to the psychological states of his characters, reflecting their fears, obsessions, and inner turmoil.
• “Tender is the Night” by F. Scott Fitzgerald : In this novel, the French Riviera is used to symbolize the allure and glamour of the high society that the characters inhabit. However, as the story unfolds, this beautiful setting also represents the superficiality and moral decay lurking beneath the surface of the characters’ lives. The contrast between the idyllic landscape and the complex, often troubled relationships of the characters adds a layer of complexity to the novel, showcasing Fitzgerald’s masterful use of symbolism.

Symbolism in Character Development

Characters in literature might be used symbolically to represent broader themes or ideas. An example of something like this can be found in George Orwell’s “Animal Farm,” where different animals represent various social and political figures. Throughout the novel, the use of images like the pig Napoleon symbolically representing Joseph Stalin provides a clear example of how characters can be imbued with symbolic meaning. This adds depth to the characters and allows the author to comment on society and politics in a subtle yet powerful way.

Symbolism in Setting

The setting of a story can also represent something else, adding layers of meaning to the narrative. In Emily Bronte’s “Wuthering Heights,” the two houses, Wuthering Heights and Thrushcross Grange, symbolize the wild nature of love and the calmness of civilization, respectively. The contrast between these two settings runs throughout the novel, reflecting the inner turmoil and passions of the characters.

Single Meaning vs. Multiple Meanings

Symbolism in writing can carry a single meaning or multiple meanings. The obvious symbolism of a symbol like the American flag representing patriotism is a clear example of a single meaning. However, symbols can also be more complex, carrying multiple meanings that evolve or change over time. In “Moby Dick,” the white whale represents something different to each character, from obsession to fear, showing how symbols can have multifaceted interpretations.

Implementing Symbolism in Your Writing

For writers looking to enhance their work with symbolism, understanding how it can be used to represent something else is crucial. Whether it’s a character, an object, or a setting, carefully choosing symbols that resonate with the themes of the story can add depth and complexity. Consider what you want to convey and how symbolism might be used to achieve that. The use of images and symbols that align with the story’s themes can create a richer reading experience, allowing readers to connect with the narrative on multiple levels.

Why Use Symbolism?

Symbolism exists in literature to convey complex ideas and emotions without stating them outright. It allows authors to connect characters or events to broader themes, making the text more cohesive and resonant. Whether it’s a simple object representing a complex idea or a character embodying a philosophical concept, symbolism enriches the literary landscape.

How to Use It in Your Writing

Let’s say you’re writing a novel or a short story; the use of symbolism can add layers of meaning to your text. By recognizing and interpreting symbols, you can uncover deeper meanings, making the reading experience more thoughtful and rewarding.

Symbolism as a literary device is versatile and powerful. It connects the reader to universal truths and human experiences, transcending cultural and societal boundaries. From Fitzgerald’s green light to the mockingbird in Harper Lee’s novel, symbolism is used to provide readers with a more profound understanding of the human condition. By understanding the definition of symbolism and exploring examples, writers can effectively incorporate this device into their work, creating rich and engaging stories that resonate with readers. Whether you’re a reader or a writer, understanding the use of symbolism will undoubtedly enhance your appreciation and creation of literary art.

Symbolism in literature is the use of symbols or objects to represent larger ideas or concepts. It is a literary device that allows writers to convey deeper meanings and create layers of meaning within their work.

How do writers use symbolism?

A: Writers use symbolism to enhance their storytelling and convey complex ideas in a more concise and meaningful way. They use symbols to add depth and richness to their work, allowing readers to interpret and analyze the text on multiple levels.

What is the definition of symbolism?

Symbolism is a literary device where an object, person, or situation is used to represent a larger idea or concept. It is a form of figurative language that goes beyond its literal meaning to convey deeper meanings and emotions.

How does symbolism work in literature?

A: Symbolism works by associating an object, character, or situation with abstract ideas or themes. It allows the writer to convey meaning beyond the literal events of the story, creating a deeper and more profound reading experience for the audience.

Can a symbol have more than one meaning?

Yes, symbols in literature can have multiple meanings. They can represent different ideas or emotions depending on the context of the story or the interpretation of the reader. This adds layers of complexity and depth to the work.

What is an example of a symbol in literature?

An example of a symbol in literature is the white whale in Herman Melville’s “Moby-Dick.” The whale represents both the power and beauty of nature, as well as the destructive force of obsession.

Does symbolism always have to be obvious?

No, symbolism in literature can be both obvious and subtle. Sometimes, symbols are intentionally hidden or disguised, requiring readers to analyze the text and uncover their meanings. This adds a sense of mystery and engagement to the reading experience.

Reviewed by Olex Lys , enthusiastic in the field of symbolism research, and in the psychological interpretation of dreams.

Symbolopedia

Encyclopedia of Symbols

About the Author

Symbolopedia is an encyclopedia of symbol meanings. Although we tend to favor a scientific explanation of symbols, it's important to keep in mind that symbols operate within the realm of the subconscious, leaving room for a touch of imagination to persist. Our articles include sources for further learning about each symbol.

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What is symbolism? A Comprehensive Exploration

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Definition of Symbolism

Symbolism is a literary device that refers to the use of symbols in a literary work. A symbol is something that stands for or suggests something else; it represents something beyond literal meaning. In literature, a symbol can be a word, object , action, character , or concept that embodies and evokes a range of additional meaning and significance.

For example, in his poem “ Fire and Ice ,” Robert Frost utilizes symbolism to indicate to readers how the world may be destroyed:

Some say the world will end in fire, Some say in ice. From what I’ve tasted of desire I hold with those who favor fire. But if it had to perish twice, I think I know enough of hate To say that for destruction ice Is also great And would suffice.

In the poem, fire symbolizes destructive and consuming emotions such as jealousy, desire for power , anger, and impulsivity. Ice, in the poem, symbolizes destructive and withholding emotions such as hate, indifference, loneliness, and isolation. Of course, the poet indicates to the reader that the literal meanings of fire and ice make them capable of destroying and ending the world. However, it’s the symbolism of fire and ice that enhances the meaning and significance of the poem.

Common Examples of Symbolism in Everyday Life

Everyday words, objects, and even concepts often have more than a single meaning. Across time, certain aspects of everyday life and experience evolve in meaning and associated significance, making them symbols of something besides what they actually are. Here are some common examples of symbolism in everyday life:

• rainbow–symbolizes hope and promise
• red rose–symbolizes love and romance
• four-leaf clover–symbolizes good luck or fortune
• wedding ring–symbolizes commitment and matrimony
• red, white, blue–symbolizes American patriotism
• green traffic light–symbolizes “go” or proceed
• tree blossoms–symbolize spring season
• Pilgrim hat–symbolizes Thanksgiving holiday
• dollar sign–symbolizes money, earnings, wealth
• image of shopping cart–symbolizes online purchases

Examples of Types of Symbolism and Their Effects

Writers utilize many types of symbolism, both as a way to convey meaning to their overall readership and as a method of allowing individual readers to make their own interpretations and discover meaning. In addition, different types of symbols create different effects for readers, though the overall goal of symbolism as a literary device is to enhance the reader’s experience with literature.

Here are some examples of types of symbolism and their effects:

• emotion : symbols often evoke emotional responses in readers, allowing them to invest in the plot and characters. This emotional effect of symbolism also creates a lasting impression for the reader of the literary work.
• Imagery : symbols can create imagery and provide visual elements that allow readers to understand complex literary themes. This also has a beneficial effect for writers so that they don’t feel an overreliance on language to explain their intended meaning.
• thematic connection: symbols can connect themes for readers within a single literary work and across literature itself. This allows for greater understanding of literature as an art form.
• Character attributes: symbols can represent different attributes of characters, both in a literal and figurative sense. This has an effect for readers in that they can identify character traits and understand their actions based on symbolism in the literary work.
• deeper meaning:  symbolism also allows writers to convey deeper meaning in their work for the reader. This creates a layered effect of understanding so that different readers can find their own individual significance in a literary work, and individual readers can find different levels of significance with each exposure to the literary work.

Famous Examples of Symbolism in Movies

Symbolism is a device utilized by many film artists as well. Symbolism in cinema allows the audience to make connections and understand meaning, adding to both the entertainment and thematic value of a film.

Here are some famous examples of symbolism in well-known movies:

• white cowboy hat = hero in classic Westerns
• mockingbird = innocence in  To Kill a Mockingbird
• Balloons = hopes and dreams in  Disney’s Up
• feathers = beginnings and endings in Forrest Gump
• Yellow Brick Road = street paved with gold in  The Wizard of Oz
• coin toss = fate, chance, free will in  No Country for Old Men
• Fog = confusion and the unknown in  Apocalypse Now
• cat = home and belonging in  Breakfast at Tiffany’s
• doors = separation and transition in  The Godfather
• deer = prey and vulnerability in  Get Out

Difference Between Symbolism and Motif

Symbolism and motif are both effective literary devices that can appear to be synonymous or interchangeable. However, these devices serve different purposes in literature. Symbolism, as a device, utilizes symbols such that the concept of a word or object represents something beyond its literal meaning. Symbols can be featured singularly or several times in literature. A motif is a recurring element, in the form of an image, phrase , situation, or concept, that is integral to the plot and appears several times throughout a literary work and emphasizes or draws attention to the overall theme .

Examples of Symbolism in Literature

Symbolism is an effective literary device utilized by writers to connect with readers and allow them to actively participate in understanding the deeper meaning of a literary work. Writers use symbolism to evoke emotion, create a sensory experience, and to demonstrate artistic use of language so that words have both literal and figurative meanings. Here are some examples of symbolism in literature:

Example 1:  The Glass Menagerie  (Tennessee Williams)

Yes, movies! Look at them — All of those glamorous people — having adventures — hogging it all, gobbling the whole thing up! You know what happens? People go to the movies instead of moving! Hollywood characters are supposed to have all the adventures for everybody in America , while everybody in America sits in a dark room and watches them have them! Yes, until there’s a war. That’s when adventure becomes available to the masses! Everyone’s dish, not only Gable’s! Then the people in the dark room come out of the dark room to have some adventures themselves — Goody, goody! — It’s our turn now, to go to the south Sea Island — to make a safari — to be exotic, far-off!

In Williams’s play , Tom’s character frequently goes to the movies to escape the monotony and pressure of his life at home with his mother and sister. Therefore, movies offer Tom both a literal and figurative escape from his home, though it is a passive escape in darkness with no true experience of adventure. The movies symbolize Tom’s dreams and fantasies as well as their unattainability and manufactured reality. In this passage, Williams also makes artistic and ironic use of the word “movies” in that the act of going to the movies actually makes Tom feel more stagnant, stuck, and unmoving.

Example 2:  The Lesson  (Toni Cade Bambara)

Miss Moore lines us up in front of the mailbox where we started from, seem like years ago, and I got a headache for thinkin so hard. And we lean all over each other so we can hold up under the draggy ass lecture she always finishes us off with at the end before we thank her for borin us to tears. But she just looks at us like she readin tea leaves. Finally she say, “Well, what did you think of F.A.0. Schwarz?” Rosie Giraffe mumbles, “White folks crazy.”

In Bambara’s short story , the famous New York City toy store F.A.O. Schwarz is a symbol for economic wealth and frivolous spending. Miss Moore’s character, by bringing a group of underprivileged black kids to the toy store, also wants F.A.O. Schwarz to be viewed as a symbol of systemic racial and social division in America as well as monetary separation. By exposing this group of kids to such an outrageously expensive toy store, Miss Moore intends to teach them a lesson and instill a deeper concept of failed American opportunity and equality through the symbolism of F.A.O. Schwarz.

Example 3:  The Great Gatsby (F. Scott Fitzgerald)

And as I sat there, brooding on the old unknown world, I thought of Gatsby’s wonder when he first picked out the green light at the end of Daisy’s dock. He had come a long way to this blue lawn and his dream must have seemed so close that he could hardly fail to grasp it. He did not know that it was already behind him, somewhere back in that vast obscurity beyond the city, where the dark fields of the republic rolled on under the night . Gatsby believed in the green light, the orgastic future that year by year recedes before us. It eluded us then, but that’s no matter—tomorrow we will run faster, stretch out our arms farther. . . . And one fine morning—— So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.

The color green is a strong motif in Fitzgerald’s novel , used frequently to reinforce the theme of money, wealth, and materialism. The green light across the water from Gatsby’s home does play a role in this color motif; however, Fitzgerald uses the green light at the end of Daisy’s dock as symbolism in the novel. In fact, as the narrator Nick Carraway mentions in the above passage, Gatsby “believes” in the green light because of what he feels it symbolizes.

The light not only represents Gatsby’s future hopes and dreams, especially in terms of his love for Daisy, but the green color of the light symbolizes, to Gatsby, permission to follow and pursue these hopes and dreams. Despite the knowledge that Daisy is a married woman, Gatsby views the green light as guidance and a signal to proceed with his futile quest to win Daisy.

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Last updated on Jan 24, 2022

What Is Symbolism? Definition and Examples

Answer: Symbolism is the use of real-world objects to represent abstract ideas. It takes easy-to-understand ideas and objects and uses them to communicate deeper concepts beyond their literal meaning.

As one of the most popular literary devices , we encounter symbolism constantly. But it’s not always easy to identify — or to implement into one's own writing.

In this post, we’ll dive into symbolism and the effects it can create in a story — along with some classic symbolism examples you’re bound to recognize.

Symbolism is the expression of ideas through imagery

Symbolism tends to work best with striking imagery. This is why symbolism often involves bold colors, eye-catching items, dramatic events, and so on; the stronger the image, the clearer the idea behind it.

Filmmakers frequently take advantage of this, crafting colorful, compelling visuals that audiences instantly clock as symbolism. While writers must take a subtler approach, that doesn’t mean textual symbolism is weaker than visual symbolism — indeed, when gifted with masterful description, a reader’s imagination can yield the most powerful imagery of all.

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Strong imagery doesn’t always equal symbolism. Sometimes a vivid scene is just a plot point that moves the story along without representing anything deeper. That said, strong imagery usually means you’ve got a symbol on your hands — as in the example below.

Example: Water and rebirth in Beloved

A fully dressed woman walked out of the water. She barely gained the dry bank of the stream before she sat down and leaned against a mulberry tree. All day and all night she sat there, her head resting on the trunk in a position abandoned enough to crack the brim in her straw hat. Everything hurt but her lungs most of all.

The fifth chapter of Beloved begins with Beloved's rebirth after her mother, Sethe, was forced to kill her as a baby. While the water itself is the symbol, it’s the image of Beloved that hits hardest: this portrait of a young woman whose lungs sting with every breath, who can't move for an entire day.

Beloved is full of striking imagery like this, but this scene is a particularly nuanced example. With the realization that she is Sethe’s lost daughter, the scene takes on even greater meaning — the water symbolizes not just Beloved’s rebirth, but the pain of it, invoking the trauma of her past.

It's a way to underline important themes

To work meaningfully in a story, a symbol can’t just represent any idea. It also needs to relate to the story’s motifs and themes!

Take the age-old symbols of light and darkness. If you were writing an epic battle between two sides, you might connect one side to light and the other to darkness to show who’s good and who’s bad — or you could swap them to subvert the trope. What you wouldn’t want to do is insert imagery of darkness and light in a story that has nothing to do with good and evil.

Luckily for writers, once you know which theme(s) you want to tackle , suitable symbols should follow. And luckily for readers, writers almost never include random symbols that don’t relate to their work’s themes!

If you recognize a symbol, even if you’re not sure how to decipher it, you can trust that it’s important — as in the example below.

Example: Mockingbirds and innocence in To Kill a Mockingbird

Atticus said to Jem one day, “I’d rather you shot at tin cans in the backyard, but I know you’ll go after birds. Shoot all the bluejays you want, if you can hit ‘em, but remember it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird.”

Though Atticus first brings it up in the passage above, the mockingbird symbolizes more than Jem's childhood innocence. It’s a symbol for all innocence, and clearly connects to the character of Tom Robinson: a Black man falsely accused of assaulting a white woman.

By extension, the phrase “to kill a mockingbird” relates to the immorality of hurting an innocent creature. In the book, the Ewells symbolically kill the mockingbird of Tom Robinson with their lies, as does the racist jury that convicts him.

Of course, when Tom is shot and killed by a prison guard, we see that for a Black man in America, murder is rarely just metaphorical. It’s a wrenching yet undeniably powerful sequence of events — and an excellent case study in how such symbols can connect to overarching themes.

A poetic way to “show, don’t tell”

Symbolism can also be used to show rather than tell . For those unfamiliar with this principle, it encourages subtle yet revealing descriptions, rather than laying out information more plainly.

For example: “Allie was nervous during the test” is a telling statement. It gets the point across clearly and immediately, and even demonstrates how telling is useful when the author has to knock out some exposition . But telling sentences don’t really engage the reader, and can come across as dry.

“Showing” the same information is much more interesting: “Allie fiddled with her pencil, tapping it against the tabletop. Her eyes darted up to the clock and back down again. She felt her palms sweating and gripped the pencil harder.” This lets us know what Allie is experiencing without quite labeling it, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions.

Symbolism adds yet another, more intriguing layer to this tactic. While all symbols help writers “show don’t tell” their ideas, some symbols are especially incisive, as in the following example.

Example: Blood and guilt in Macbeth

Out, damned spot! Out, I say! — One, two. Why, then, ’tis time to do ’t. Hell is murky! — Fie, my lord, fie! A soldier, and afeard? What need we fear who knows it, when none can call our power to account? — Yet who would have thought the old man to have had so much blood in him.

One of the most memorable scenes in Macbeth is Lady Macbeth’s bout of sleepwalking in Act 5, accompanied by her frenzied speech. “Out, damned spot!” she cries, scrubbing at her hands as if they were stained with blood — despite the fact that she has not killed anyone herself.

If anything, though, this makes the “blood” into an even more powerful symbol; Lady Macbeth's guilt is so extreme that this vision still haunts her. Of course, she doesn’t say “I feel guilty.” Shakespeare makes a much more compelling case by showing her descent into blood-fueled paranoia… ironically, the same force that drove her and Macbeth to murder.

It can enhance a story's emotional resonance

As you’ve probably gathered, the best symbols evoke both an intellectual and an emotional response. We feel sorrow over Beloved’s painful rebirth; desperately angry at the destruction of Tom Robinson; a mixture of satisfaction, pity, and fear for Lady Macbeth’s guilt.

These responses tend to arise naturally, but storytellers can also intentionally make their symbols more resonant. For instance, say you wanted to symbolize childhood in a scene. You could have your main character walk by a park and hear children playing… or you could have them stumble upon an old, worn teddy bear with its stuffing falling out.

The more innate emotional pull an image has, the more strongly readers will feel about what it represents. Whether you’re trying to elicit sublime happiness or devastating sadness, a well-placed symbol could be the key.

Example: Food and passion in Like Water for Chocolate

Tita's blood and the roses from Pedro proved quite an explosive combination. [...] Gertrudis began to feel an intense heat pulsing through her limbs. An itch in the center of her body kept her from sitting properly in her chair.   She began to sweat, imagining herself on horseback with her arms clasped around one of Poncho Villa's men: the one she had seen in the village plaza the week before, smelling of sweat and mud, of dawns that brought uncertainty and danger, smelling of life and of death.

What better way to show emotional resonance than with a story about baking feelings into food? The symbolism in Like Water for Chocolate is admittedly quite evident; its magical realist approach means that we can see clearly which emotion each dish represents.

But sometimes the most obvious symbols have the greatest emotional impact. This is certainly true of the scene in which Tita’s sister, Gertrudis, is consumed by lust after eating quail with rose petal sauce — a meal infused with Tita’s erotic thoughts of her other sister’s husband, Pedro. 

This symbol is particularly potent given that Pedro brought Tita the roses in the first place. Tita effectively pours all her sexual frustration into the meal, and in the next breathless scene, we feel her love and lust for Pedro almost as powerfully as Gertrudis does.

And it can make the most obscure story relateable.

Finally, keep in mind that most symbols in literature are universal. Indeed, reviewing our examples, each author uses an intuitive association (water with rebirth, blood with guilt, etc.) to coax readers in the right direction.

Sure, some of the more generic symbols — like the color red rather than the specific image of blood — may represent multiple, sometimes conflicting ideas in different works. And as noted in the light vs. darkness example, there’s always the possibility of subversion.

But most of the time, what you intuit is what you get! At the end of the day, interpreting and even implementing symbols isn’t all that complicated. Go with your gut, and when in doubt, remember you can always return to the classics for confirmation.

Example: Nature and wildness in Wuthering Heights (and others)

My landlord halloed for me to stop ere I reached the bottom of the garden, and offered to accompany me across the moor. It was well he did, for the whole hill-back was one billowy, white ocean; the swells and falls not indicating corresponding rises and depressions in the ground: many pits, at least, were filled to a level; and entire ranges of mounds, the refuse of the quarries, blotted from the chart which my yesterday's walk left pictured in my mind.

Speaking of the classics, let’s look at our last example: nature and wildness in Wuthering Heights . This one is so well-known that it even features in an episode of Friends — Phoebe noting that the story is set “on these really creepy moors,” which symbolize “the wildness of Heathcliff’s character.”

But Wuthering Heights isn’t the only story to relate natural wilderness to human turmoil and ferality. The Scarlet Letter, published a few years later, implies a similar connection with Hester’s daughter Pearl — forced to live near the woods on the edge of town, Pearl becomes increasingly unruly. A better-known example might be Lord of the Flies : the longer the boys remain on the island, the more primitive they become.

This is one of symbolism’s best qualities: creators can build upon earlier works to develop symbols and make them even more powerful. Which is exactly why the greatest symbols only become richer over time!

On that note, we hope this guide has helped you better understand symbolism in literature — to both identify symbols in future reading and use them more effectively in your own work. No matter what the symbols in question are, you’ll have all the tools you need to work with them. (Then again, just to be safe, steer clear of those creepy moors.)

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Comprehensive Guide to Understanding Symbolism

What is symbolism, how to identify symbols, why symbolism matters in literature, common symbols in literature, symbolism in poetry, symbolism in film.

• How to interpret symbols
• Symbolism in different cultures
• How to use symbolism in writing
• Examples of powerful use of symbolism

Imagine you're reading a book, and the main character keeps seeing a red bird. You might just think, "Wow, there sure are a lot of red birds around here!" But what if that red bird is more than just a bird? What if it's a symbol? If you've ever asked yourself, "What is the definition of symbolism?", you're in the right place. Let's explore the world of symbolism together.

Symbolism is a tool used by writers, artists, and filmmakers to give a deeper meaning to their work. It's like a secret language that you have to decipher. The "definition of symbolism" is the use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities. These symbols can be objects, characters, or even colors.

Let's break down the definition of symbolism a bit more:

• Symbol: A symbol can be anything that stands for something else. For example, a red bird might symbolize freedom, love, or danger.
• Idea: This is what the symbol represents. It could be a theme like "love conquers all" or a concept like "the fleeting nature of time".
• Quality: Sometimes, symbols represent certain qualities or characteristics. For instance, a lion might symbolize courage or strength.

Symbolism can make a story more interesting and layered. It's like a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered. It can be a fun challenge to try to figure out what the symbols in a story mean. Plus, understanding symbolism can give you a deeper appreciation for the work and the mind of the creator.

Think of it like a puzzle: once you start to see the pieces fit together, the whole picture becomes clearer—and a lot more exciting! So, next time you see that red bird in the story, you'll know to look a little closer. It might just be a symbol waiting to be understood.

Now that we know the definition of symbolism, let's see how to spot these hidden gems in a piece of work. Identifying symbols can feel a bit like a game of hide and seek — but don't worry, I've got some tips and tricks to help you out.

Firstly, pay attention to repetition. If an object or character keeps showing up, take note. Remember our red bird from before? If it shows up several times, it might be more than just a bird.

Next, consider the context. What's happening in the story when the possible symbol appears? If our red bird flies in during a romantic scene, it might symbolize love. If it shows up when the hero is in danger, it might symbolize a warning.

Lastly, consider the object or character itself. What qualities or ideas does it naturally bring to mind? A lion might make you think of bravery, while a clock might make you think of time. These natural associations can help guide you to the symbol's meaning.

Remember, identifying symbols is a bit like solving a mystery. You have to gather clues, think about the evidence, and come to your own conclusions. It might take a bit of practice, but once you get the hang of it, you'll start seeing symbols everywhere!

So, the next time you're reading a book or watching a movie, keep an eye out for potential symbols. You might be surprised at what you find!

Now that we've got the hang of identifying symbols, let's talk about why they matter. You see, symbolism is more than just a fancy literary trick. It's a tool that writers use to give their stories depth and meaning. But how, you ask?

Well, for starters, symbolism can add layers to a story. A book about a man's journey might seem simple on the surface. But if the man's backpack is a symbol for the weight of his past, suddenly that journey takes on a whole new meaning, doesn't it?

Symbolism can also help us connect with a story on a deeper level. When we can relate to the symbols a writer uses, we can better understand and empathize with the characters and their struggles. It's like decoding a secret message that the writer left just for us.

But perhaps most importantly, symbolism helps us to see the extraordinary in the ordinary. It reminds us that a rose can be more than a rose, a road can be more than a road, and a bird can be more than a bird. And that's pretty awesome, don't you think?

So the next time you come across a symbol in a book, take a moment to think about what it means and how it contributes to the story. You might just find that it adds a whole new layer of richness and depth to your reading experience.

So, you've now got a pretty good grip on the definition of symbolism and why it's important in literature. Now, let's take a look at some common symbols you might come across in your reading.

First, let's talk about seasons . Spring often symbolizes new beginnings or rebirth, while winter can symbolize death or the end of something. Summer, with its bright sun and warm weather, can symbolize happiness or freedom. Autumn, as leaves fall from the trees, can symbolize change or transition.

Next up, we have colors . Red often symbolizes passion or danger. Blue can symbolize calm or sadness. Black often represents death or evil, while white can symbolize purity or innocence.

Finally, let's talk about animals. Did you know that a bird often symbolizes freedom? Or that a snake might symbolize temptation or deceit? And let's not forget the lion , a powerful symbol of courage and strength.

These are just a few examples of the many symbols you might encounter in literature. Remember, the key to understanding these symbols is context. A snake in one story might be a symbol of deceit, but in another, it might represent transformation or healing. So keep your eyes open, and use the clues the author gives you to figure out what each symbol means.

Now that we've got a grasp on common symbols in literature, let's wade into the beautiful world of poetry. Symbolism in poetry is a bit like the secret sauce that can take a poem from ordinary to extraordinary.

When we look at poetry, symbols often take center stage. They work to create depth and layers of meaning that can turn a simple poem into a rich tapestry of thought and emotion. Let's consider the example of a rose. In a poem, a rose might not just be a pretty flower. It could represent love, beauty, or even the fleeting nature of life.

Now, how about a river in a poem? It might symbolize the flow of time or life's journey. A stormy sea might represent turmoil or conflict, while a calm sea could symbolize peace or tranquility. And don't forget the moon—it's a popular one! It could symbolize anything from mystery and the unknown to change and transformation.

Here's a little tip: When you're reading poetry, don't be afraid to take your time. Symbols can often be subtle, and it might take a few reads to fully grasp their meaning. But that's the beauty of poetry—it unfolds itself slowly, rewarding patient readers with deeper understanding and appreciation.

Alright, we've ventured into the realm of poetry and explored how symbolism adds depth and nuance. Now, let's switch gears and dive into another captivating realm—film. Yep, you heard it right. Film, like literature and poetry, is chock-full of symbolism, and understanding this can completely change the way you watch movies.

Ever noticed how directors love to use color? That's not just to make scenes look pretty. Colors in film are often symbolic. For instance, red might symbolize danger or passion, while blue can represent tranquility or sadness. Remember the film "The Matrix" with its iconic green tint? That wasn't just a design choice—it was symbolic of the digital, artificial world of the Matrix.

Objects, too, carry symbolic weight in film. Take, for example, the sled in "Citizen Kane". It wasn't just a child's toy, but a symbol of lost innocence and nostalgia. Or think about the spinning top in "Inception". It was more than a cool trick—it symbolized the protagonist's struggle to distinguish reality from dreams.

So next time you're watching a film, keep an eye out for these hidden symbols. They can add a whole new layer of meaning and make your film-watching experience even more enriching. Remember, just like poetry, film is an art form that rewards those who take the time to look a little deeper.

How to Interpret Symbols

Now that we've dipped our toes into the world of symbolism in literature, poetry, and film, let's talk about how to interpret these symbols. After all, understanding the definition of symbolism isn't just about spotting symbols—it's about understanding what they mean.

First things first: don't panic if a symbol isn't immediately clear. Symbols are meant to be thought-provoking, not straightforward. They're like puzzles, waiting to be figured out. So, take your time, and don't be afraid to ponder a little.

One practical tip is to consider the context. Symbols don't exist in a vacuum—they're part of the story, scene, or poem. Think about what's happening around the symbol. How does it relate to the characters or the theme? For instance, if a character keeps seeing ravens before something bad happens, the ravens could symbolize impending doom.

Another tip is to look at how the symbol changes or evolves. In "The Great Gatsby", the green light at the end of Daisy's dock starts as a symbol of Gatsby's hopes and dreams. But as the story progresses, it becomes a symbol of unattainable desires and illusions.

Remember, interpreting symbols isn't an exact science. It's more like detective work, piecing together clues to uncover hidden meanings. It might seem challenging at first, but trust me, it's worth the effort. Because once you start seeing and understanding symbols, you'll discover a whole new layer of richness in your favorite stories, poems, and films.

Symbolism in Different Cultures

Let's journey around the world for a bit, shall we? Symbols are not just a part of literature, poetry, or film. They're an integral part of cultures too. And that's what makes the definition of symbolism so fascinating—it's universal, yet unique to each culture.

Take colors, for instance. In many Western cultures, white is a symbol of purity and innocence, often seen in wedding dresses. But in some Eastern cultures like China and Korea, white is associated with death and mourning, and is customary attire at funerals.

Or consider animals. In Native American cultures, the eagle is a sacred symbol of courage and strength. But in ancient Egyptian culture, it was the scarab beetle that held a high symbolic value, seen as a symbol of the sun, resurrection, and eternal life.

Even everyday objects can hold symbolic meanings. In Japanese culture, the cherry blossom, or sakura, is deeply symbolic. It signifies the transient nature of life, due to its short blooming times. On the other hand, in Russian culture, the samovar (a heated metal container traditionally used to heat and boil water) is a symbol of hospitality and comfort.

Isn't it amazing how the same thing can mean so different in different cultures? That's the beauty of symbolism—it gives us a window into the values, beliefs, and stories that shape different cultures.

How to Use Symbolism in Writing

If you've ever tried to write a story, you'll know that it's not as easy as it seems. But guess what? Using symbolism can make your writing richer and more engaging. Here's how.

First, you have to decide what you want to symbolize. It could be a character's emotions, a theme in your story, or a moral lesson. This is where you get to be creative—don't be afraid to think outside the box!

Once you've chosen what you want to symbolize, you need to pick a symbol that represents it. Remember, a symbol is something that stands for something else. For example, if you want to symbolize hope, you could use a symbol like a sunrise or a bird taking flight.

Next, you need to weave your symbol into your story. Don't just drop it in there—make it a part of the narrative. Let's say you're using a sunrise to symbolize hope. You could have your character wake up to a beautiful sunrise after a night of despair, signaling a new beginning.

Finally, don't overdo it. Symbolism is like a spice—it can enhance your story, but too much can overpower it. Use symbols subtly, and let your readers discover them on their own.

So, there you have it—the basics of using symbolism in your writing. Now it's time for you to give it a shot. Who knows? You might just add a whole new layer of depth to your story.

Examples of Powerful Use of Symbolism

Now that you've got the basic idea, let's look at some real-life examples where authors have used symbolism to create memorable and meaningful stories.

First up, let's talk about J.K. Rowling's "Harry Potter" series. The 'Scar' on Harry Potter's forehead isn't just a mark; it's a symbol of his past, his connection to Voldemort, and his destiny. It's a constant reminder of the struggle between good and evil, making Harry's journey even more poignant.

Moving on to "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee. The mockingbird in the book symbolizes innocence. The phrase "it's a sin to kill a mockingbird" means that it's wrong to harm those who do no harm—just like the innocent characters in the story who are unfairly treated.

Finally, the green light in F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby" represents Gatsby's hopes and dreams for the future—specifically, his love for Daisy. This unreachable green light, visible from Gatsby's mansion, symbolizes the unattainable nature of the American dream.

These examples show just how powerful symbolism can be in storytelling. It adds depth, creates intrigue, and can even make readers see the world in a new light. So why not try adding some symbolism to your own writing? You might be surprised at the impact it can have.

If you enjoyed exploring the world of symbolism in this comprehensive guide, you might be interested in learning how to incorporate symbolism into your own artwork. Check out the workshop ' Composing Complex Illustrations using Basic Shapes ' by Juliet Schreckinger. In this workshop, you'll learn how to create intricate illustrations by combining basic shapes, which can be an excellent way to incorporate symbolism into your art. Don't miss this opportunity to expand your skillset and enhance your creative expression.

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Literary Conventions

A short video explaining symbols in literature.

Definition of symbolism with examples of poems using symbolism.

• Symbols. Authored by : Jonathan Spike. Located at : https://youtu.be/-mjkj36hY-4 . License : All Rights Reserved . License Terms : Standard YouTube License
• Examples of Symbolism in Poetry. Authored by : TheSunShinesForTwo. Located at : https://youtu.be/nl2bmY2XnMk . License : All Rights Reserved . License Terms : Standard YouTube License

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February 21, 2021

Teaching symbolism to middle & high school students.

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Thank you for sharing this blog post. I believe symbolism is so richly ingrained in our storytelling, and it would be amiss not to include teaching it in our lessons. I love this so much!

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Education Standards

Wyoming standards for english language arts.

Learning Domain: Reading for Literature

Standard: Cite several pieces of textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.

Standard: Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of rhymes and other repetitions of sounds (e.g., alliteration) on a specific verse or stanza of a poem or section of a story or drama.

Maryland College and Career Ready English Language Arts Standards

Learning Domain: Reading Literature

Common Core State Standards English Language Arts

Cluster: Key Ideas and Details.

Cluster: Craft and Structure.

Symbolism in Literature

This lesson uses images and the "I See...and I Wonder" strategy to get students thinking about the bigger concepts that objects might represent.  Students often see symbols as mere objects with only a face value because of the speed with which they encounter them.  However, if we can encourage students to take more time to study an object, other concepts or meanings can come to light.

This lesson uses images as an entry point to symbolism because they are less threatening than literature.  The images provided are a starting place, but feel free to remix and use your own images. 

I See...and I Wonder

Have students choose one or more images to work with.  They can complete this task on paper, in a an online document, or on a discussion thread.  For a discussion thread, each image could be a separate thread for students to comment on and then discuss as a group. 

Technology Ideas: 

Jamboard - Each picture is on a different slide and students use sticky note feature to add their observations

Google Slides - Each slide is a different picture & students could put comment in speaker notes OR in text boxes around the image 

Padlet - Pictures are at the top of page and students make observations under each column 

PowerSchool LMS - Use a discussion thread and add pictures OR Wikiproject and students could comment 

Choose one of the images below to work with:

Record all of the details you see.  These must be fact-based, objective observations that anyone could see in the image.  It can include colors, items, shapes, or other identifiable characteristics, but it should not include anything that is an interpretation, an opinion, a feeling, or could be debated.  Spend several minutes (use a timer set for at least 3 minutes) to make note of everything you see, large or small.

I Wonder...

Now study the image further and consider the story behind it.  Use these questions to get you thinking and be sure to record your answers:

• What might be going on?
• How does it make you feel?
• What does it make you think about?
• How might it relate to places you've been or experiences you've had?
• What questions does it bring to mind?

This time set your timer to at least 6 minutes for recording what you wonder, think, or feel about the image.

Symbolism of Images

Here's where students make the jump to the way symbols mean more than what they are ...just as these images mean more than the observable details.  Students can answer these questions individually or in small or large group discussion.  Again, a discussion thread might be a good way to do this.

Symbols are objects that are what they are...but are also more than what they are.  A flag is a piece of fabric that waves in the wind, but it also represents something larger.  The United States flag represents our country, but it also has emotional or philosophical meanings...and those meanings can change with perspective.  For instance, to different people, the American flag can represent freedom, the sacrifice of veterans, or Olympic athletes.  To people from other countries, it can represent a world power, the rich, or even the enemy.

Because of this, symbols rely on context and perspective.  Look over what you wrote for "I wonder" and consider what the image might mean.  It is a picture, perhaps even a pretty one.  But it is also more than a picture because of the story it tells, the emotion it stirs, or the larger concepts of life it invites us to consider.  Take some time to answer the following questions:

• What larger aspects of life does this image portray?
• What is the message the photographer might have been hoping to capture?
• What might you use this image to represent or make people think about?

This is an anchor chart that could be formatted for an online platform or in the classroom. 

Objects or characters in stories can also be symbols.  As you read literature, make note of what you observe.  Often repeated imagery or recurring objects are more important than they may seem at first glance. 

Read/Watch the book  A Chair for My Mother  by Vera B. Williams. As a class you will be recording the types of symbolism you see and answering a few questions. 

On your paper or technology platform, your teacher tells you to use answer the following questions:

• What emotions does it stir?  
• What does it make you think or wonder?  
• How might the author be using it to make a point?

Symbolism isn't hidden or secret or made up by English teachers, but it does require us to slow down and pay attention to the details the author includes rather than flying by or skimming over them.

Assessment: Symbolism in Literature

Students will then practice on their own finding symbolism in the book  Chrysanthemum  by Keven Henkes. They will create a t-chart on their paper or you could have a Google Doc with a t-chart already created that the students make a copy of to put their ideas. 

Read/Watch the short story Chrysanthemum  by Kevin Henkes.

Record the symbolism you see in this short story. Use a T-chart as we used for  A Chair for My Mother.   This will be turned in to the teacher to see how you are progressing with symbolism. Answer the following questions at the bottom of your t-chart.

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Symbolism in Literature

Dec 20, 2019

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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.

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Presentation Transcript

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. For example, Peter Pan is a symbol for eternal childhood What is the symbol for our school?

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.

Greasy hair

Gone With the Wind

Switchblade

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. 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?

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