Julie Tagg

Symbolism is a powerful literary technique that is used by writers to represent abstract ideas through the use of physical objects or phenomena. A symbol is a tangible thing that stands for or represents an intangible concept, idea, or thought. A strong symbol is one that shares key characteristics with whatever it is meant to represent, or is related to it in some other way. This makes the symbol more meaningful and effective in conveying the intended message.

Characters and events can also be symbolic. When a character or an event is symbolic, it represents a larger idea or concept beyond itself. For example, a character who is always dressed in white might symbolize hope or goodness. Writers use a wide variety of symbols to deepen the meaning of their work. Some symbols are universal and easily recognizable, such as a heart symbolizing love or a dove symbolizing peace. Other symbols are more subtle and require a deeper understanding of the context and themes of the work to fully appreciate their meaning. It’s worth recognizing the ways that some symbols can be obvious, while others might be less so. In order to fully understand the symbolism in a work of literature, it’s important to pay close attention to the details and to consider the context in which the symbol is presented. By doing so, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the message the writer is trying to convey.

Symbolism is a literary device that uses objects, characters, and events to represent a concept or idea. Physical objects are often used to convey abstract themes. Additionally, characters can serve as symbols themselves, representing virtues, vices, or political ideologies. Lastly, events can also be symbolic. These three types of symbolism are powerful literary tools that can enhance the meaning and depth of a work of literature.

Symbolism and Allegory

An allegory is a type of work that conveys a moral or lesson by using symbolic characters and events. Such a work is often used to critique a particular ideology or societal phenomenon, and it can be read on two levels: the first level is the literal story, while the second level is the symbolic representation of the broader phenomenon being critiqued. In an allegory, the majority of characters and plot developments serve as symbols for something else, or the entire storyline is symbolic of a broader phenomenon in society.

Symbolism vs. Metaphor

Symbolism and metaphor are literary devices that are used to convey meaning beyond the literal sense of words. While these devices are similar and often used interchangeably, there are some key differences between them.

Metaphors compare two different things by stating that one thing is the other (e.g. “your eyes are heaven”). By doing so, metaphors establish a direct comparison between two things that have similar characteristics. On the other hand, symbolism is a more subtle device that uses one thing to represent something else. In a symbolic text, the relationship between a symbol and what it represents is not explicitly stated, and one thing is not said to be the other thing. Instead, a symbol stands for or represents something else.

To illustrate, consider the symbol of a dove. In Western culture, the dove is often used to symbolize peace. However, the dove does not need to have any characteristics in common with peace. Rather, the symbol of the dove has been culturally constructed to represent peace, and this symbolism has been reinforced over time through its repeated use in literature and other media.

In conclusion, while both metaphor and symbolism are powerful literary devices that can help convey meaning beyond the literal sense of words, they do so in different ways. Metaphors directly compare one thing to another based on shared characteristics, while symbols stand for or represent something else.

See Symbols in “For the Life of Laetitia” by Merle Hodge and Symbols in Alistair Campbell’s “Anansi” for examples of symbols in the novel.