Symbolism

• Symbolism is the use of concrete objects to represent abstract ideas and emotions.
• Language itself is symbolic: every written or spoken word represents a sound, object, or idea. For example, the letters in the word “chair” symbolize both a sound and a physical object.
• In writing, symbolism occurs when a word, phrase, or description conveys a deeper meaning beyond its literal definition. This extension of meaning can make writing more powerful.

Religious Symbolism

• Uses text, images, procedures, or physical objects to represent beliefs or ideas.
• Examples: the cross representing Christianity; the Star of David representing Judaism.

Political Symbolism

• Represents political ideas or viewpoints through banners, acronyms, flags, mottos, and images.
• Example: The Canadian flag uses a maple leaf to symbolize Canada, and its bars represent the Pacific and Atlantic oceans and the country’s founding cultures.
• Historical example: The Nazi Party used symbols such as the swastika, eagle, iron cross, and SS lightning bolts.

Color Symbolism

• Colors can symbolize different ideas depending on culture or context.
• Examples: red, white, and blue symbolize American identity; green symbolizes environmentalism.
• Cultural differences: in many Asian cultures, red symbolizes happiness and prosperity; in some cultures, white symbolizes mourning.

Advertising Symbolism

• Advertisers use symbolism to influence perception.
• Example: actors in white lab coats imply scientific approval of a product.

Literary Symbolism

• Adds meaning beyond the literal events of a story.
• A storm during a moment of conflict may symbolize emotional turmoil.
• Changes in time (day to night, spring to winter) can symbolize shifts from hope to despair or good to evil.
• Natural elements like rivers or flowers may symbolize life, youth, or beauty.
• Not all elements in a story are symbolic unless contrasted or emphasized.

Examples in Literature

• The Lord of the Flies: Ralph’s conch shell symbolizes order and democracy; Jack symbolizes savagery; the island symbolizes the world; the beast symbolizes humanity’s darker nature.
• Macbeth: Blood symbolizes guilt; the raven symbolizes ill fortune.
• Animal Farm: The entire story symbolizes the evils of communism and represents figures from the Russian Revolution. This makes the novel an allegory.

Allegory

• Allegory is an extended metaphor in which characters, objects, and actions represent meanings beyond the narrative.
• Allegories often convey moral, social, religious, or political messages.
• Characters may personify abstract ideas such as charity, greed, or envy.
• An allegory has two levels of meaning: literal and symbolic.

Symbolism vs. Allegory

Symbolism

• A symbol is a word, place, character, or object that represents something beyond its literal meaning.
• Symbols can function independently as long as their meaning is understood.
• Example: A stop sign is literally a red octagon but symbolizes the act of stopping.

Allegory

• Uses many interconnected symbols so that nearly every element of the narrative has a deeper meaning.
• Allegories can be read literally or symbolically.
• The term comes from the Greek allegoria, meaning “speaking otherwise.”
• Allegories act as extended metaphors that reveal moral, spiritual, or political truths.
• Interpreting a story as allegory is called allegoresis.

This guide provides students with a clear understanding of symbolism, allegory, and how they function in literature, culture, and communication.

 

(created from source)