A symbol…
is
something that
represents something else,
either by association or by
resemblance. It can be a
material object or a written
sign used to represent
something invisible.
Why a writer uses
symbolism…
Symbolism is used when a
writer uses an event, item
or a character to stand for
something else.
Symbols can be characters,
such as a character
symbolizing good or evil.
People can be symbols, such
as Ebenezer Scrooge in “A
Christmas Carol.”
Why a writer uses
symbolism…
Objects can also be symbols,
such as the scarlet letter.
Authors use symbolism, a
form of imagery, when they
want to portray something
to the reader without using
the narrator.
Symbolism is
everywhere…
A symbol is an
object which
stands for
something else
Symbols are used
in daily life. Many
road signs are
symbols, as is the
traditional red
and white pole for
a barber's shop.
Symbolism can take place by
having the theme of a story
represented on a physical level.
A simple example might be the
occurrence of a storm at a
critical point, when there is
conflict or high emotions. The
storm might symbolize these
emotions. Another example
might the way sound is used to
replace a character.
Let's look at some actual
examples of symbolism used
in literature and other media,
with which you might be
familiar. The Harry Potter
books by J. K. Rowling could
be seen as containing a lot
of symbolism. One clear
example is; the use of a
snake to represent evil. It is
no coincidence that the
symbol of Slytherin House is
a serpent.
Standard symbols and
others more original are
evoked by conscious and
deliberate use of language
by writers, advertisers and
speakers.
In many cases, clever
descriptive writing is
mistaken for symbolism.
When asked about the
symbolism in his poem,
“The Road Not Taken,”
Frost replied,
I shall be telling this
with a sigh
Somewhere ages and
ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a
wood, and I—
I took the one less
traveled by,
And that has made all
the difference.
“There is no symbolism.
Sometimes paths divide in
the woods…” Be careful
with symbolism!
What do these symbols
mean to you?
Birds, especially the robin, sometimes
represent the coming of spring. These
creatures can also represent peace,
such as the dove.
The blackbird is one of the most
common bird symbols. Birds have long
been a symbol of the soul. They
represent the soul, flying free of the
earth-bound body and seeking the
heavens.
The birds represent a passage between
the physical world and spiritual worlds.
Birds in flight can also represent
freedom. A bird with a broken wing can
represent the loss of freedom or a
painful handicap.
Predatory birds, like the eagle or
hawk, are often associated with
rulers. Perhaps this association
was reinforced by the fact that
the upper classes could afford to
have trained hunting birds.
Pigeons have a less lofty
reputation nowadays, but they
used to be associated with
loyalty and bravery. They were
used as messengers and homing
pigeons were known to
overcome incredible odds to
bring a message home -- flying
through battle zones and terrible
weather.
The peacock is a beautiful
bird, and sometimes a
symbol of vanity. This may
be because, not only is it a
beautiful bird, but its
feathers have been used to
decorate fancy clothing
and hats.
The raven is a symbolic
representation of the
Trickster in many native
stories.
There has long been a
belief that after death, the
soul leaves the body in
form of a bird.
Red:
China: Good luck, celebration,
summoning
Cherokees: Success, triumph
India: Purity
South Africa: Color of mourning
Russia: Bolsheviks and Communism
Eastern: Worn by brides
Western: Excitement, danger, love,
passion, stop, Christmas (with
green)
Orange:
Ireland: Religious (Protestants)
Western: Halloween (with black),
creativity, autumn
Yellow:
China: Nourishing
Egypt: Color of mourning
Japan: Courage
India: Merchants
Western: Hope, hazards, coward
Green
China: Green hats indicate a man's wife is
cheating on him, exorcism
India: Islam
Ireland: Symbol of the entire country
Western: Spring, new birth, go, Saint Patrick's
Day, Christmas (with red)
Blue
Cherokees: Defeat, trouble
Iran: Color of heaven and spirituality
Western: Depression, sadness, conservative,
corporate, "something blue" bridal tradition
Purple:
Thailand: Color of mourning
(widows)
Western: Royalty
White:
Japan: White carnation symbolizes
death
Eastern: Funerals
Western: Brides, angels, good guys,
hospitals, doctors, peace (white
dove)
Black:
China: Color for young boys
Black is a multi-dimensional
color that can mean classic
or new.
It has an ominous characteristic, symbolizing death.
Particularly Western
cultures use black for
funerals.
Black:
It has an air of intelligence
(graduation robes), marked with
rebellion (the bad guy),
shrouded in mystery (space).
Black’s evil symbolism complements the good in the world.
Whatever the social, economic,
political environment, black will
always be a popular color in all
industries.