Literary Devices in Symbol ✍️

Introduction

A symbol in literature is a significant element that stands for or suggests something else by reason of relationship, association, convention, or accidental resemblance. Essentially, it is a tangible object or a specific word that represents an abstract idea. Symbols help to convey deeper meanings and can invoke emotions, ideas, or even philosophical thoughts in the reader’s mind.

Contents

Symbols are not just mere tools for decoration; they serve as the foundation for much of literary expression. For example, a rose might symbolize love, beauty, or even decay, depending on the context provided by the story. Similarly, a journey could represent life itself, a quest for truth, or personal transformation. By employing symbols, writers can layer their narratives with multiple meanings, enhancing the thematic depth and resonance of their work.

Pronunciation:
Symbol is pronounced as /ˈsɪm.bəl/.

When do writers use Symbol literary device?

Writers employ symbols to imbue their texts with complexity and depth, making their stories not just more engaging but also providing them with a rich, multi-layered texture. Symbols are used in literature for several key purposes:

To convey deeper meanings: Symbols help communicate more than the literal narrative. They allow readers to explore underlying themes and ideas that may not be explicitly stated.
To evoke emotions: Symbols can stir feelings and evoke responses based on their culturally or personally understood meanings.
To enhance theme: By reinforcing the themes of a literary work, symbols can make a narrative more coherent and impactful.
To build intrigue: The use of symbols can create suspense or mystery, compelling readers to think more deeply about the possible connections and meanings.

Through these uses, symbols enrich the reading experience, allowing for multiple interpretations and deeper engagement with the text.

How should I use Symbol literary device?

Using symbols effectively in literature requires a thoughtful and strategic approach. Here are some key rules and guidelines to follow:

Choose meaningful symbols: Select symbols that have a strong and clear connection to the themes and ideas you are exploring in your narrative.
Don’t overuse symbols: While symbols can be powerful, overusing them can make your writing feel forced or confusing. Use them sparingly to ensure they maintain their impact.
Ensure clarity in context: The context around the symbol should make its meaning clear without needing extensive explanation.
Aim for emotional resonance: Choose symbols that resonate emotionally with the reader, enhancing the emotional depth of your story.
Allow for ambiguity: Sometimes, ambiguity in how a symbol is interpreted can add depth to your work, prompting readers to think and engage more deeply with your text.

By adhering to these guidelines, you can use symbols to add significant depth and interest to your literary works, enhancing the reader’s experience and the thematic richness of your narrative.

Types of Symbol

In literature, symbols can generally be categorized into two main types: universal symbols and contextual (or personal) symbols.

Universal Symbols (Archetypal Symbols): These symbols carry a common, universal meaning across various cultures and historical periods. Examples include the use of water as a symbol for life and renewal, or the snake as a symbol of evil and deceit. Universal symbols tap into the collective unconscious of humanity, resonating deeply and widely.
Contextual Symbols (Personal Symbols): These are symbols that may not have a universally agreed-upon meaning and are often defined by the context of the narrative itself. They gain their significance within the story and can vary dramatically from one work to another. For example, a particular tree in a story might symbolize a character’s growth or decay, but this meaning is specific to that story and its themes.

Both types of symbols enrich the narrative by adding layers of meaning that extend beyond the literal.

Symbol in Literature

Symbols are a cornerstone of literary expression, providing depth and insight into the themes and emotions of the text. Here are some famous examples of symbols in literature:

The green light in “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald: Represents Gatsby’s hopes and dreams for the future, particularly his desire for Daisy’s love.
The conch in “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding: Symbolizes law, order, and civilized authority among the boys on the island.
The whale in “Moby Dick” by Herman Melville: Represents multiple layers of symbolism including the struggle against nature, the unknown, and the profoundly unattainable.
The mockingbird in “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee: Used to symbolize innocence and the idea of not harming those who do no harm.

These symbols serve as focal points for the thematic and emotional development of their respective narratives.

Symbol in Children’s Books

Symbols in children’s books often help to communicate complex themes in a way that is accessible to younger readers. Here are some notable examples:

The Giving Tree in “The Giving Tree” by Shel Silverstein: Represents selfless love and the nature of giving.
Peter Pan’s shadow in “Peter Pan” by J.M. Barrie: Symbolizes freedom and the escape from the responsibilities of growing up.
The wardrobe in “The Chronicles of Narnia” by C.S. Lewis: Acts as a gateway to a fantastical world, symbolizing escape and adventure.
Green Eggs and Ham in “Green Eggs and Ham” by Dr. Seuss: Symbolizes the idea of trying new things and being open to experiences.

These symbols help convey deeper meanings to children, teaching important life lessons through engaging narratives.

Symbol in Poetry

Poetry often relies on the use of symbols to convey complex emotions and ideas succinctly and powerfully. Here are some famous examples of symbols in poetry:

The raven in “The Raven” by Edgar Allan Poe: Symbolizes death and loss, as well as the torment of mourning.
The road in “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost: Represents life’s choices and the paths we take.
The tiger in “The Tyger” by William Blake: Symbolizes the fierce forces of nature and the divine.
The cage in “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” by Maya Angelou: Represents oppression and the struggle for freedom.

These symbols enrich the poetic texts, allowing poets to delve into emotional depths and philosophical questions with brevity and intensity.

Symbol in Songs

Songs frequently use symbols to convey deeper emotional truths and societal messages. Here are ten famous examples of symbolism in songs:

“Fire and Rain” by James Taylor – Fire symbolizes turbulence and chaos, while rain symbolizes cleansing and renewal.
“Bridge Over Troubled Water” by Simon & Garfunkel – The bridge symbolizes support, safety, and rescue during difficult times.
“Hotel California” by The Eagles – The hotel itself is a symbol of excess and the trap of the California dream.
“Blackbird” by The Beatles – The blackbird symbolizes the struggle for racial equality and personal freedom.
“The River” by Bruce Springsteen – Represents life’s journey, with its ebbs and flows reflecting the twists of fate.
“Purple Rain” by Prince – Purple rain symbolizes a new beginning or change, often interpreted as an end to pain.
“Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen – Various symbols are used to explore themes of love, religion, and personal struggle.
“American Pie” by Don McLean – Uses a pie as a symbol of Americana and reflects on the changes in American culture.
“Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin – The stairway symbolizes the quest for spiritual or moral perfection.
“I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston (originally by Dolly Parton) – Uses metaphors and symbolic language to discuss enduring love and parting ways.

Symbol in Movies

Movies often use visual symbols to enhance storytelling and deepen thematic elements. Here are some famous examples:

The Red Balloon in “The Red Balloon” (1956) – Symbolizes innocence and childhood.
Rosebud in “Citizen Kane” (1941) – Represents the loss of innocence and the longing for simpler times.
The Chess Game in “The Seventh Seal” (1957) – Symbolizes the intellectual struggle between life and death.
The Spinning Top in “Inception” (2010) – Serves as a symbol for the blurred line between reality and dreams.
The Green Light in “The Great Gatsby” (2013) – Represents Gatsby’s unattainable dreams and his desire for Daisy.
The Ring in “The Lord of the Rings” Trilogy – A powerful symbol of power and corruption.
The White Dress in “Schindler’s List” (1993) – Symbolizes innocence amidst the horror of the Holocaust.
The Birds in “The Birds” (1963) – Represent chaos and unexplained terror.

Famous movie line highlighting Symbol

One of the most iconic lines that highlight the use of symbolism in film is from “Citizen Kane” (1941):

“Rosebud.”

This single word, the dying utterance of Charles Foster Kane, symbolizes the entirety of Kane’s lost innocence and the simplicity of happiness that he spent his life unsuccessfully trying to recapture.

YouTube Link Demonstrating Symbol

This link leads to a clip from “Citizen Kane” where the mystery of “Rosebud” is discussed, highlighting its symbolic significance in the film.

Symbol in Advertising

Symbols are powerful tools in advertising, used to convey complex messages quickly and evoke emotional responses. Here are some notable examples:

The Swoosh in Nike ads – Symbolizes speed, movement, and athleticism.
The Apple logo – Represents innovation and cutting-edge technology.
The Geico Gecko – Embodies friendliness and trust, making insurance seem more approachable.
The Heart in I ♥ NY – A simple yet powerful symbol of love for New York, promoting tourism.
The Green and Yellow color scheme in John Deere – Represents agriculture, growth, and reliability.

Symbol related literary devices

Symbols are often intertwined with other literary devices to enhance narrative depth. Here are some related devices:

Metaphor: Directly compares two unrelated subjects without using “like” or “as,” often imbuing an object with symbolic meaning.
Simile: A comparison using “like” or “as,” which can introduce symbolic undertones.
Allegory: An extended metaphor where characters, events, and details within a story can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning, usually moral, political, or spiritual.
Motif: A recurrent element in a literary work that can develop into a symbol because it suggests a larger truth.
Imagery: Descriptive language that appeals to the senses and often uses symbols to represent ideas and emotions.

These devices work together to enrich the text, allowing readers to explore layers of meaning beyond the surface narrative.