Symbolism

Many authors embed subtle images into their work to make it deeper, richer, more meaningful and colorful. Writers may also use symbolism to allude to a mood or feeling without coming out and stating that particular emotion. For example, a writer might use the symbol of a lily to represent purity or a ray of sunshine to represent hope.

Symbolism in To Kill A Mockingbird

What Is Symbolism in Literature?

Symbolism is when the author uses an object or reference to add deeper meaning to a story. Symbolism in literature can be subtle or obvious, used sparingly or heavy-handedly. An author may repeatedly use the same object to convey deeper meaning or may use variations of the same object to create an overarching mood or feeling. Symbolism is often used to support a literary theme in a subtle manner.

Examples in Literature

Let's look at some actual examples of symbolism used in literature and other media, with which you might be familiar.

Citizen Kane

In Citizen Kane, a child's sled symbolizes the lost innocence of childhood ... although you don't realize this until the end of the movie.

In the novel Animal Farm, the entire story is a symbol for the evils of communism, with the main animal characters representing key figures in the Russian revolution. The novel can be read entirely as a children's story, but when you come to realize what the various elements and characters in the story symbolize, the novel takes on a whole new meaning. That's why this particular work has become such a classic. This kind of story is called an allegory.

Lord of the Flies

In The Lord of the Flies, Ralph with his conch shell represents order and democracy, while Jack symbolizes savagery and anarchy. The island itself symbolizes the world in which we live, and the actions of the characters are symbolic of the way different people conduct their lives. The beast represents the darker side of human nature.

Star Wars

The movie series Star Wars has been described as symbolic of faith and religion in our world overcoming evil.

The song I Hope You Dance by Lee Ann Womack is full of symbolism. The song isn't really about dancing at all ... dancing is a symbol for getting the most out of life. When she sings '"I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance", the mountains symbolize our fears about the future, or obstacles in life we must overcome.

Macbeth

The play MacBeth by William Shakespeare uses blood, both real and imagined, as a symbol of guilt, both of MacBeth and Lady MacBeth. Another symbol used in the play is a raven, which usually represents ill fortune.

Harry Potter

The Harry Potter books by J. K. Rowling could be seen as containing a lot of symbolism, although there are as many interpretations as there are creatures in the books! (The author isn't saying). One clear example is a commonly used one; the use of a snake to represent evil. It is no coincidence that the symbol of Slytherin House is a serpent.

Symbolism in Wonder

Examples of Symbolism

The following are common symbols used in literary works:

Symbols referring to damnation:

Fire, flames, heat, hot temperatures

Symbols referring to salvation:

Crosses, angels, haloes, clouds, churches

Symbols referring to reincarnation or reinvention:

Phoenix rising from flames, crosses, rainbows, passing storms, dawn, sunrise, broken chains

Symbols referring to death or endings:

Gravestones, cemeteries, Grim Reaper, Day of the Dead, skulls, candle blowing out, coffin, ringing of bell

What Are Common Cultural Symbols?

When looking for cultural symbols in literature, you'll want to think of what symbols represent moral standards, beliefs or patriotic themes for a culture or country. Here are some cultural symbols you might see:

American cultural symbols:

Red, white and blue colors; Bald Eagle; coin with "In God We Trust"

Indian cultural symbols:

yogi, banyan tree, image of Indian god or goddess

Chinese cultural symbols:

Bamboo tree, yin/yang symbol

Japanese cultural symbols:

bonsai tree

Sometimes cultural symbols are more specific to a particular cultural group. A mohawk haircut or an anarchy symbol indicate a punk rocker. Medals and swords symbolize a member of the military. Nets and ropes can symbolize a fisherman or sea captain.

Color Symbolism

Simple colors can also be symbolic, depending on your location, or the context in which they are used. Red, white and blue are symbolic of all things American. Green has come to represent anything which is environmentally friendly.

Colors can represent different things depending on where you live. For example, in Asian countries, red symbolizes happiness, marriage, and prosperity; in some countries the color of mourning is white.