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Understanding Symbolism in Literature

Symbolism in literature is a device where symbols represent deeper meanings beyond their literal significance, enhancing themes, creating emotional impact, and developing characters. There are universal symbols recognized across cultures and contextual symbols specific to particular works. Common symbols include light and darkness, seasons, colors, and animals, each carrying specific meanings that contribute to the narrative.

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66 views

Understanding Symbolism in Literature

Symbolism in literature is a device where symbols represent deeper meanings beyond their literal significance, enhancing themes, creating emotional impact, and developing characters. There are universal symbols recognized across cultures and contextual symbols specific to particular works. Common symbols include light and darkness, seasons, colors, and animals, each carrying specific meanings that contribute to the narrative.

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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Understanding Symbolism in Literature

Introduction:

Symbolism is a literary device where a symbol, whether it be a character, object, event, or place,
represents a deeper meaning beyond its literal significance. In literature, symbolism allows
writers to convey complex ideas, emotions, or themes without directly stating them. In this
handout, we will explore the use of symbolism in literature, how to identify it, and how it
enhances a story.

1. What is Symbolism?

Symbolism is the use of a symbol to represent ideas, qualities, or concepts. A symbol is typically
a concrete object or event that stands for something more abstract. For example, in many stories,
a dove can symbolize peace, while darkness can symbolize evil or mystery.

Types of Symbols:

 Universal Symbols: These are symbols that are widely recognized across different
cultures. For example, the color white often symbolizes purity or innocence, while a red
rose is commonly associated with love.
 Contextual Symbols: These symbols are specific to a particular work of literature. The
meaning of the symbol may not be immediately clear and may require understanding of
the text’s themes or cultural context.

2. The Role of Symbols in Literature

Enhancing Themes

Symbols help deepen the theme of a work by offering a visual or conceptual representation of the
theme. For instance, in The Great Gatsby, the green light symbolizes Gatsby’s unattainable
dreams and the larger theme of the American Dream's futility.

Creating Emotional Impact

Symbols evoke emotions in the reader. For example, in Lord of the Flies, the conch shell
represents civilization and order, and when it is destroyed, it symbolizes the collapse of societal
structure and the rise of savagery.

Developing Characters
Sometimes, a symbol can help us understand a character’s internal conflict or development. In
The Scarlet Letter, the scarlet "A" on Hester Prynne's chest is a symbol of both her shame and
her strength, evolving in meaning as the story progresses.

3. Common Symbols in Literature

Here are a few common symbols in literature and their typical meanings:

 Light and Darkness: Light often symbolizes truth, knowledge, or hope, while darkness
can represent evil, ignorance, or despair. These contrasts are frequently used to enhance
the themes of a story.
 Seasons: Each season often carries symbolic meaning. For example, spring can
symbolize renewal or rebirth, while winter can represent death or stagnation.
 Colors:
o Red: Passion, love, anger, or danger.
o Blue: Calm, sadness, or tranquility.
o Black: Death, mystery, or evil.
o White: Purity, innocence, or peace.
 Animals: Animals often symbolize specific human qualities or ideas. For example, a lion
can symbolize courage, while a snake might symbolize evil or temptation.

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