What is Symbolism?
What is Symbolism?
In math, you use symbols all the time. If you see a +, you know to add two numbers. If you see a -, you know you need to subtract.
In writing, writers frequently use symbols too. However, their meaning is not often as easy to figure out as a + or - sign.
In its most basic form, a symbol is something that represents something else. In writing, symbols can be numbers, colors, objects, animals, people, or even parts of the day or times of the year.
For example, if you're reading a book about good versus evil, you might encounter the following symbols:
- Good = white, light, daytime
- Bad = black, darkness, nighttime
Why Do Writers Use Symbolism?
Writers use symbolism to add layers of meaning to their texts. Using symbols allows them to tell you a lot about a particular character or situation in just a few words.
How Do Writers Use Symbolism?
Writers use symbolism in multiple ways.
#1: Through Figures of Speech
Writers may show symbolism through similes, metaphors, and allegory.
Similes and metaphors are both ways of comparing two objects. For example, in Shakespeare's "As You Like It," it states that "All the world's a stage,/And all the men and women merely players;".
Allegory is a story, poem, or picture with a hidden meaning. For example, a teacher may read the fable of "The Ant and the Grasshopper" to send a message to the lazy students in her class.
#2: Through Imagery
Writers may through symbolism through imagery or descriptions that appeal to the senses.
For example, a writer may describe a setting as dark and poorly lit, letting you know that is not a good place. Or a writer may note that a character in the story always smells like chocolate chip cookies, which could symbolize the character's connection to her grandmother.
Little details like colors, smells, sounds, and how things feel to the touch can tell you a lot about the characters and events in a story.
#3: Through Subtle Details
Sometimes writers simply include subtle, or not so obvious, details to introduce symbolism.
For example, in the movie Schindler's List, a little girl's red jacket regularly appears as the only color in a scene. In literature, the author of Snow White uses an apple, a traditional symbol of temptation, to entice Snow White.
Complete the practice questions and worksheet below to see how good you are at recognizing and interpreting symbolism. To explore the meanings of common symbols found in literature, you can also peruse the Online Dictionary of Symbolism.
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