A symbol is the use of a concrete object to represent an abstract idea. The word symbol is derived from the Greek verb “symballein” which means “to put together and the related noun “symbolon” which means “mark”, “taken” or “sign”.

The term, symbol, when used in literature is often a figure of speech in which a person, object, or situation represent something in addition to its literal meaning. Most commonly, a symbol will present itself in the form of 1) a word, 2) a figure of speech, 3) an event, 4) the total action, or 5) a character.

Some conventional symbols are as follows:

COLORS

1. Red: the color of the life principle, blood, passion, emotion, danger
2. Black: cold, negative, death, ignorance, or evil
3. White: innocence, life, light, purity
4. Green: inexperience, hope; new life, immaturity
5. Blue: cool, calm, peaceful
6. Pink: innocence, femininity
7. Brown: the color of earth and soil, humility and poverty

NATURE

1. Seasons
2. Spring: birth, new beginning
3. Summer: maturity, knowledge
4. Autumn: nearing death, growing old
5. Winter: death, sleep
6. Light: truth, knowledge
7. Darkness: evil, ignorance, danger
8. Treesple: temptation, loss of innocence
9. Oak: strength, wisdom
10. Pine: symbol of immortality because of its evergreen foliage
11. Weeds: evil, wildness/outcasts of society
12. Flowers: beauty, youth, strength, gentleness
13. Water: washes away guilt, origin of life, regeneration, vehicle of cleansing
14. River: stream of life and death
15. Sun: source of light, heat and life

WEATHER, SEASON, TIME

1. Rain: sadness or despair
2. Wind and Storms: violent human emotions
3. Thunder: the voice of God or gods

ANIMALS

1. Dove: peace, purity, simplicity
2. Fox: slyness, cleverness
3. Lion: power, pride
4. Peacock: pride, vanity
5. Serpent/Snake: temptation, evil
6. Mouse: shyness, meekness
7. Hawk: sharp, keen eyesight
8. Owl: wisdom, rational knowledge; messenger of death
9. Lamb: sacrificial element

WALLS: barriers between people, both physical and mental

HUMAN BODY PARTS

1. Blood: vital and bodily heat
2. Hands: strength or weakness
3. Eyes: windows to the soul
4. Mouth: indicator of character traits

OBJECTS

1. Key: a key has the power and authority of letting in and shutting out
2. Ladder: ladders are symbols of realization of potential
3. Mirror: often a solar symbol

SETTING

1. The forest: usually a place of evil or mystery
2. A garden: paradise of a haven
3. Window of a room: freedom or lack thereof
4. A park: a place for retreat and renewal
5. The town: place where rules are on their best behavior

Answer the question (50 words)

What is the central symbol in the story and what its significance?