literary element series: — symbolism— literary symbols © 2013 james d. whitaker,...

Literary Element Series: Literary Element Series:

—Symbolism—Literary Symbols

© 2013 James D. Whitaker, SophistThoughts™

by James D. Whitakerby James D. Whitaker

SymbolismSymbolism


Symbolism is the art or practice of assigning abstract meaning to physical objects.

Let’s think of an everyday object such as a mirror. What exactly do we use a mirror for? Well, we use a mirror to see our reflection and make sure we are properly put together. We all know a mirror is an object, but do we know what it represents symbolically?

SymbolismSymbolism


Through history certain objects have taken on more than their literal meaning.

Mirrors have become symbols of: truth, deceit, vanity, and beauty to name a few. Abstract meaning has been assigned to a mirror thereby making it a symbol.

Think of another object that people have assigned abstract meaning to.

What are Symbols?What are Symbols?Symbols are objects, characters, figures, sounds or colors used to represent abstract ideas or concepts.

A symbol is the physical representation of an intangible idea, concept, emotion, or state of mind.


Symbol/Object = Shamrock

Abstract Idea/Concept

LUCK

Symbolic Meaning in 3 FormsSymbolic Meaning in 3 Forms

Positive Meaning Negative Meaning

When a symbol’s significance represents a quality that is “good” it is a symbol with positive meaning.

When a symbol’s significance represents “bad” qualities it is a symbol with negative meaning.


Neutral MeaningNeutral Meaning

When a symbol’s meaning is neither When a symbol’s meaning is neither good nor bad then it is classified as good nor bad then it is classified as neutral.neutral.

Symbolic Qualities Symbolic Qualities © 2013 James D. Whitaker, SophistThoughts™

PositiveMeaning

NeutralMeaning

NegativeMeaning

Love UnityTrust

Fidelity Partnership

Marriage Infinity Eternity Legality

Domination Covetousness

ObsessionManipulation

Symbol = a wedding ring

Literary SymbolismLiterary Symbolism

Literary Symbolism is the usage and recognition of symbols in works of literature (as well as film).

Literary Symbols can be either Archetypal (Traditional) or Constructed (made by author).


Archetypal (Traditional) SymbolsArchetypal (Traditional) Symbols

Archetypal or Traditional symbols are objects that have taken on profound meaning through the years.

The symbolic significance of archetypal symbols are recognized by people of different cultures across the world.

EX: Heart = Love


Archetypal SymbolsArchetypal Symbols

Example 1:

RoseLove

Beauty Death

Example 2:

BookWisdomKnowled

geMemoryPower

Example 3:

DovePeace

Innocence

PurityFreedom

Example 4:

Candle Life

DeathBriefnessWarmth


Constructed SymbolsConstructed Symbols

Constructed symbols are objects that take on their own special symbolic meaning according to an author or film maker.

The object in question might hold traditional symbolic meaning but it also takes on new meaning in the context of the author’s story.


Constructed Symbols 1 & 2Constructed Symbols 1 & 2


In The Outsiders, the sports cars symbolize wealth and the Socs. Bob drives a blue mustang and Cherry drives a red sports car.

In Freak the Mighty and especially in the movie The Mighty, the ornithopter represents freedom. In the book, Freak is flying the ornithopter when it gets caught in a tree. Freak’s mind is free and has no bounds. However, when the ornithopter is caught in the tree, it shows that Freak’s body restricts him. At the end of movie, Max is flying the ornithopter and it goes higher and higher, which shows that Max now has confidence in his ability to learn and his mind now has no bounds.

Constructed Symbols 3Constructed Symbols 3


In Freak the Mighty King Arthur and his knights become symbols of heroism. Freak can escape the limitations of his body and with his mind create an imaginary world where his mind knows no bounds, a world based on character and morality. Freak can become a great hero in this world even if his body restricts his physical movement.

This reoccurring symbol becomes a motif, which leads to the construction of a theme: Our minds have no bounds and can help us overcome other disabilities. Freak does not allow his physical handicap to restrict his mental world and abilities. Max learns to let his mind help him overcome his inner fears of being dumb and like his father.

Symbolism and Theme 1A symbol is an object or image that

stands out in a text or film. Symbols become more easily recognizable when they are repeatedly shown or referred to. When this happens a symbol becomes a motif.

A symbol that becomes a motif (or various objects in a film or story that hold the same symbolic significance) greatly influence or even create the foundation of a theme.


Constructed Symbols 3Constructed Symbols 3In Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings volumes, there is a small gold ring with an unfathomable amount of power. The One Ring symbolizes absolute power—a power utterly corrupting. It is immensely difficult for many of the characters to resist the temptation to take the Ring for themselves and use it for their own ends.

Theme – absolute power corrupts absolutely. © 2013 James D. Whitaker,

SophistThoughts™

Symbolic CharactersSymbolic Characters

Sometimes in a work of literature or film a particular character takes on the role of a symbol.

This character usually demonstrates a dominant character trait that exemplifies an abstract concept.


Examples of Symbolic Examples of Symbolic CharactersCharacters

1] Harry Potter Courage & Humility

2] Peter PanEternal Childhood & Irresponsibility

3] Ebenezer Scrooge (A Christmas Carol) Selfishness & Greed

4] Darth Vader (Star Wars) Corruption & Redemption

5] Dorothy Gale (The Wizard of Oz) Belonging & Determination

6] Cinderella Helplessness & Waiting to be Rescue


Places as SymbolsPlaces as Symbols

The setting—either fictional or real—of a work of literature or film can also take on symbolic meaning.


1] Paris Romance Civilization Revolution

2] Antarctica Bleakness Isolation Tranquility

3] The Shire The Hobbit

Agriculture Humbleness Peace

4] Hogwarts Harry Potter Series

Scholarship Education Wizardry

Colors as SymbolsColors as SymbolsRed

LoveDeathBlood

OrangeEnthusiasm

AmbitionBelonging

YellowSunshine

HappinessCowardice

GreenRebirthMoneyNature

BlueLoyaltyCourageGloom

PurpleRoyaltyDestiny

Black Death

EvilSecrecy

WhitePurity

GoodnessHoliness

Brown Earthiness

CountryTradition

PinkYouthBeautyFemininity

SilverWealthGreedTechnology

GoldWealthGreedPowerTemptation © 2013 James D.

Whitaker, SophistThoughts™

Animals Animals as as SymbolsSymbols


RuthlessWisdom, education, knowledge

Peace, love Courage, royalty, power Freedom, U.S.

Loyalty Deceptive, evilInnocence, purity

Animals Animals as as SymbolsSymbols


Ant - industrious Bee - hardworking

Slow but sureReliable Fast but unreliable Clever, cunning

GrumpyBeauty, grace

Independance

Symbols of Symbols of LoveLove


Heart Rose Cupid

DovesRings

Symbols of Symbols of DeathDeath


Grim Reaper CandleRaven

Hour GlassTombstoneSkull and Crossbones

Symbols of Symbols of LuckLuck


Four leaf clover

Lady bug

Horse Shoe

Symbols of EducationSymbols of Education


Books Owl Cap and Tassel

GlobeBlackboard Glasses

AmericanAmerican(United States) (United States) SymbolsSymbols


WhiteHouse –Presidency

Uncle Sam

Apple pie

American flag

Bald Eagle

Statue of LibertyFreedom & Opportunity

Buffalo

Places & Monuments as SymbolsPlaces & Monuments as Symbols


Italy – LeaningTower of Pisa

St. Louis ArchLincoln MemorialWashington, DCMt. Rushmore

Eiffel Tower- Paris

Statue of Liberty

AustraliaSidney Opera House

Big Ben- England

AllegoryAn allegory is basically a story which can be seen

as one huge symbol or metaphor. It is a symbolic fictional narrative that conveys a secondary meaning that is not explicitly or out right stated. It is a story where the characters symbolize deeper meanings.

An allegory strikes the imagination and makes you think about a story or movie in another light or like you were looking through another lens. Fables and parables are short allegories with one definite moral.


Lead-In Words & Phrases for Analyzing and Interpreting Symbolic Significance


embodies

indicates typifies

symbolically represents…

symbolizes

personifies signifies

stands for represents denotes is associated with

epitomizes suggests

Sample Introductory Phrases

The color red symbolically represents love, blood, and

death.

An hourglass epitomizes the concepts of time and death.

A lion embodies courage and royalty.

The American flag signifies freedom, bravery, and sacrifice.

Ravens are birds that personify death. Hearts, Cupid, and doves all typify love.

Wolves are very social animals who symbolize kinship, community, and

loyalty.

Paris is a famous city that is associated with love and

romance.

Write a sentence using the leading phrases to show what the objects represent. Use a different leading phrase for each object.EX: A rose typifies love.1. A shark2. Books3. A white lamb4. A dove5. An owl6. Green7. Gold8. Scrooge9. Purple10. A snake


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literary element series: — symbolism— literary symbols © 2013 james d. whitaker,...

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