Symbolism

The use of symbolism in literature

A writer can use symbolism to express a broader meaning or idea not explicitly stated in a text. The idea and its development can be shown in this way to the reader. Symbolism adds depth and makes a piece more interesting to read, as the reader may have to decipher the meaning for themselves.

Fig. 1 - Makeup tools and products.

How to identify symbolism

To identify symbolism, see if there is an object in a text that later disappears or reappears in a different form. For example in Superman (1978), Clark Kent's glasses are a symbol of his secret identity. His identity on Earth is represented by his glasses, which conceal his true identity as a superhero.

Kent is not human, but glasses are a very human thing. They symbolise optical weakness and therefore human frailty. As a superhero, Clark is not human and does not share in the experience of human frailty.

Fig. 2 - Eyeglasses.

A symbol often occurs repeatedly, and this emphasises the author’s intent, making it readily identifiable as a symbol versus a mere description.

Types of symbolism in literature

These types of symbolism are respective to different genres of literature. Common types of symbolism include:

Romantic symbolism, e.g. using an object to represent the course of a romantic relationship.

Fig. 3 - Red roses.

Emotional symbolism, e.g. using an object to represent the development of emotion in a text.Using the example of flowers again, when siblings are having a disagreement in a florist's shop, the flowers may seem to suddenly droop as the energy in the room becomes negative.

Fig. 4 - Flower shop.

Religious symbolism, e.g. using well-known symbols to represent something in a godly context. Snakes are viewed as full of deceit in the Bible, as the devil tricks Adam and Eve in the form of a serpent.

Fig. 5 - Snake.

Symbolic colours, e.g. red, typically symbolise anger, passion, and danger.

Fig. 6 - Painted wood - red, orange and yellow.

Symbolic objects e.g. wedding rings typically symbolise commitment.

Fig. 7 - Bride.

Animals, e.g. owls, typically symbolise wisdom.

Fig. 8 - Sheep.

Weather conditions, e.g. storms, typically symbolise turmoil.

Fig. 9 - Storm.

Common symbols in literature

Common symbols in literature include colours, seasons, weather, and animals. Landscapes are also common symbols in literature. For example, nature can symbolise growth and prosperity. Here are some examples of the conventional meanings of symbols in these categories:

Colour:

• Black: death, evil

• Blue: calm, peace

• Green: nature, growth

Seasons:

• Spring: fertility, rejuvenation

• Summer: freedom, joy

• Autumn: aging, nearing death

• Winter: death, hardship

Weather:

• Fog: uncertainty, mystery

• Rain: sadness, transformation

• Storms and storm clouds: violent emotions, danger

Animals:

• Owl: wisdom

• Peacock: pride, vanity

• Vulture: death

• Snakes: evil

Examples of symbolism in literature

• F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby (1925): The green light visible from Gatsby’s West Egg lawn is a representation of the wealth he believes will help him win back his love, Daisy. Green is symbolic of money and wealth, and the green light symbolises this hope and dream.

• William Shakespeare’s Macbeth (1606): Lady Macbeth has delusions of her clean hands being stained with blood after she assists in Duncan’s murder. The blood represents her inner conscience as she slowly descends into madness.

• The Bible: The devil tricks Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, coming to them in the form of a serpent. Serpents represent evil, destruction, poison. Adam and Eve fall for this trick, leading to their expulsion from the Garden of Eden.

How is a symbol different from an allegory?

The key difference between a symbol and an allegory is that a symbol is more complex and less specific, allowing for a variety of interpretations. An allegory features extensive use of a symbol sustained through a text and compares a subject to something else. Allegory can be understood as a type of symbolism, but it usually makes a greater point about a society. An allegory can also communicate something about morals or have a more complex meaning.

For example, George Orwell’s Animal Farm (1945) uses animals and the occurrences in the book as an allegory for the Russian Revolution of 1917. The animals’ interactions and the society they build are representative of the author’s view of communism during the Russian Revolution.

A clear example of symbolism is the handkerchief in Shakespeare’s Othello (1604). This object is first given to Othello’s bride, Desdemona, who later loses it after applying it to Othello’s forehead to help with his migraine. Othello’s migraine had resulted from rumours of cuckoldry by Desdemona, and he casts the handkerchief away in frustration. The symbolic meaning of the handkerchief shifts depending on which character possesses it - Desdemona sees it as a precious gift, yet Othello is reminded of Desdemona’s supposed cuckoldry.

Fig. 10 - Handkerchief.