Symbolism in Literature

Layers of Meaning
What Symbolism is:

The use of an object,

person, situation, or word
to represent something
else (an idea) in
literature.
 We use a rectangle of dyed cloth to symbolize a country.
 We use a picture  We send red roses
of a skull and as a symbol of
crossbones to love.
symbolize poison
or danger.
Where Do Symbols Come From?

 Symbols can be universal or personal.

 The most familiar symbols are universal; meaning that they

have been handed down over time.
 A personal symbol is a symbol that can apply to specific
opinions or situations.
 What does the lion represent?
 The lion became a
universal symbol that
 Lions are fierce, powerful
shows up in art and
predators that are seen as
literature, even today!
“King of the Jungle”, and are
symbols of power, strength,
and domination.

 Once these qualities were

associated with the animal,
images of lions appeared on
flags, banners, coats of arms
and castle walls.
People throughout history have endowed ordinary
objects with meanings far beyond their simple
meaning:

A crown symbolizes Five linked

royalty rings
symbolize
the
A dove
Olympics
symbolizes
peace.
Invented Symbols
Writers often take a new object,
character, or event and make it
What is the symbol for
the embodiment of some human
our school?
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
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-possibilities that a simple, literal
statement could never convey.
 A symbol is like a pebble cast into a pond: It
sends out ever widening ripples of meaning
 Symbols can also help you uncover the theme of
the text: The life lesson or takeaway that the
author is trying to teach the reader.
Ways to describe or express
symbols?
• Symbols can be described and
addressed in a huge number of unique
ways.

• Two of the most common ways that

authors use symbolism is through the use
of simile and metaphors.

• These two devices both involve the

comparison of objects, but the
difference between them all comes
down to just a few words.
Metaphor
A figure of speech where
one object is described
literally as another.

• “My mother is an angry bull

when she hasn’t had her
coffee.”
• “All the world’s a stage,
and we are just the
actors.”
• “A hospital bed is a parked
taxi with the meter
running.”
Simile

Similar to a
metaphor, a
simile also
compares two
unlike objects,
but the main
difference is “My mama always said: ‘life is like a box of
that a simile chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna
get.’”
uses the words “Blind as a bat”
“like” or “as.”
Snug as a pug in an ugg on the rug.
Symbols have multiple
interpretations.
 Depending on the context, cultural
meanings, and personal experience,
symbols may carry different meanings.
 You may not be able to articulate 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.
WHAT SYMBOLIZES YOU?
Create a Symbolic Crest that especially
pertains to your unique self!

Your crest must contain, at minimum:

At least 4 unique objects or symbols that
relate or represent you in some way. You
will need to include a written explanation
for each object.
At least 3 different colors. Each color will
require a written explanation as well.
Your name (don’t get carried away and
forget this one)

Crests are to be due on Monday, April 1st