Symbolism
Symbolism
Symbolism
Symbolism allows people to
communicate beyond the limits
of language.
Humans use symbolism all the
time. Words themselves are mere
symbols for something else.
Symbolism
A symbol is a person, place or
object that stands for something
beyond itself.
Symbolism
National, religious and cultural symbols have standard
interpretations as well as personal significance for each
individual.
For example, the American flag symbolizes the
USA. The personal significance, however,
varies. A US Army veteran cherishes its
meaning. A terrorist, on the other hand, finds it
despicable.
A green piece of paper with George
Washington's picture on it symbolizes
one dollar. A billionaire considers it
chump change. A beggar considers it a
treasure.
Symbolism
Symbolism
How to Identify Symbols in Literature
*Pay special attention to objects or places that have a lengthy
description, repetition, or special placement.
*Notice objects that appear in the writing more than once
and/or at important moments.
*Does the title mention an object/place? It could be symbolic.
*Is a place, object or character essential to the theme? If so,
it may be symbolism.
Symbolism
Allegory As Symbolism
A literary symbol gains its
meaning from the context of a
literary work and often
changes as the work develops.
Sometimes symbolism takes the form of an allegory.
Allegory is an extended use of symbolism and metaphors.
A story, a poem, or even a whole book can be an allegory
and the symbolism will appear throughout.
One example of an allegory is the monologue from Shakespeare
in As You Like It:
“All the world's a stage, And all the men and women merely
players; they have their exits and their entrances; And one man
in his time plays many parts.”
This is symbolic of the fact that people are putting on a show and
play many roles over the course of their lives.
Symbolism
Symbolism
Symbolism in Everyday Life
Symbolism in Everyday Life
Our language contains an immense number of symbols
whose intended meaning or significance is well-known and
accepted by the majority. Of course, many of these do wind up
in books, magazines, stories, and other written works.
Symbolism is found in colors:
Symbolic Objects
• Black is used to represent death or evil.
• White stands for life and purity.
• Red can symbolize blood, passion, danger, or immoral
character.
• Purple is a royal color.
• Yellow stands for violence or decay.
• Blue represents peacefulness and calm.
Symbolism
• From children's books to classical literature, symbolism
plays an important role in literary analysis. It makes the
work richer and more meaningful.
Our language contains an immense number of symbols whose intended meaning or significance is wellknown and accepted by the majority. Of course, many of these do wind up in books, magazines, stories, and
other written works.
Symbolism is found in colors:
· Black is used to represent death or evil.
· White stands for life and purity.
· Red can symbolize blood, passion, danger, or immoral character.
Think about the Grinch in Dr. Seuss's
· Purple is a royal color.
· Yellow stands for violence or decay.
famous book How the Grinch Stole
Blue
represents
peacefulness
and
calm.
·
Christmas. Yes, he is the antagonist, but he
also represents
- or symbolizes - greed and
Objects are often used to symbolize something
else:
together of two things. He eventually learns that
· A chain can symbolize the comingcommercialism.
heaven
and earth
or ascension.
· A ladder can represent the relationship
his between
love of
"things"
can't
take the place of
· A mirror can denote the sun but when it is broken, it can represent an unhappy union or a separation.
Flowers as Symbols
love.
Even flowers can have a symbolism:
· Roses stand for romance.
Although this story was written in 1957,
· Violets represent shyness.
symbolism/allegory of it still speaks to
· Lilies stand for beauty and temptation.
people of all ages.
· Chrysanthemums represent perfection.
Objects are often used to symbolize something else:
· A chain can symbolize the coming together of two things.
· A ladder can represent the relationship between heaven and earth or ascension.
· A mirror can denote the sun but when it is broken, it can represent an unhappy union or a separation.
Even flowers can have a symbolism:
for romance.
Even flowers can have a symbolism:
Violets
shyness.
stand forrepresent
romance.
· •Roses
represent
shyness.
· •Violets
Lilies
stand
for beauty and temptation.
· Lilies stand for beauty and temptation.
Chrysanthemums
represent perfection.
represent perfection.
· •Chrysanthemums
Flowers
as Symbols
• Roses
stand
Symbolism
Symbolism in Everyday Life
Symbolic Objects
Symbolic Objects
Objects are often used to symbolize something else:
• A chain can symbolize the coming together of two things.
• A ladder can represent the relationship between heaven and
earth or ascension.
• A mirror can denote the sun but when it is broken, it can
represent an unhappy union or a separation.
Our language contains an immense number of symbols whose intended meaning or significance is wellknown and accepted by the majority. Of course, many of these do wind up in books, magazines, stories, and
other written works.
Symbolism is found in colors:
· Black is used to represent death or evil.
· White stands for life and purity.
· Red can symbolize blood, passion, danger, or immoral character.
· Purple is a royal color.
· Yellow stands for violence or decay.
· Blue represents peacefulness and calm.
the
• Now listen to The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein.
As I read it, think about the symbolism in the story.
• Be prepared to write a well-developed paragraph
about the symbolism in this children's story.
• Your paragraph should include topic and
concluding sentences in addition to your
supporting details.