Introduction
Symbolism could be defined as the shape or form of language that is used for the purpose of developing a definite mood or sentiment in the field of literature. The description of symbolism could be perceived in such a manner that it is an application of object, and other things such as a person, place, and word in order to represent something. There are two main types of symbolism, one is a metaphor while other is allegory, and as far as the first type of symbolism is concerned it is associated with the notion of metaphor.
A metaphor can be defined as a comparison of one thing to another. While a simile uses “like” or “as” within their comparison (as big as a whale, as tall as a beanstalk, hungry like a lion), a metaphor is a comparison with these terms omitted. In a rhetorical sense, a metaphor will make you think deeper between the lines to find meaning, where a simile has a very straightforward comparison.
For example, you may recognize these common sayings:
- Time is money
- Rollercoaster of emotions
This is an example from a work of literature:
- All the world’s a stage – William Shakespeare
An allegory could be considered as an enhanced metaphor. This is because of the reason that allegory should be perceived as the whole story, book, and any poem in which the symbolism is applied and continued throughout the whole content. The examples of allegory could be considered in the form of character, event or figures as well. The “animal farm along with faerie queen” could be perceived as the example of allegory in the domain of literature. The allegory could also be further divided in various forms such as political allegory, religious allegory, and spiritual allegory.
How to Analyze Symbolism. Authored by: Amelie Millie. Located at: http://www.solvibrations.org/how-to-analyze-symbolism/ License: All Rights Reserved. License Terms: CC-BY-SA
Metaphor, Symbolism, and Symbols
Metaphor
How do metaphors help us better understand the world? And, what makes a good metaphor? Explore these questions with writers like Langston Hughes and Carl Sandburg, who have mastered the art of bringing a scene or emotion to life.
Lesson by Jane Hirshfield, animation by Ben Pearce.
The art of the metaphor – Jane Hirshfield. Authored by: TED-Ed. Located at: https://youtu.be/A0edKgL9EgM. License: All Rights Reserved. License Terms: Standard YouTube License
Metaphor Examples
This page contains 100 examples of metaphors.
Symbolism
A short video explaining symbols in literature.
Definition of symbolism with examples of poems using symbolism.
Symbols. Authored by: Jonathan Spike. Located at: https://youtu.be/-mjkj36hY-4. License: All Rights Reserved. License Terms: Standard YouTube License
Examples of Symbolism in Poetry. Authored by: TheSunShinesForTwo. Located at: https://youtu.be/nl2bmY2XnMk. License: All Rights Reserved. License Terms: Standard YouTube License
How to Analyze Symbolism
As far as the analysis of symbolism is concerned, this analysis could be performed in different ways and some of these ways are described as follows:
1. Take notes
In this scenario, it is helpful to follow the characters, notions, or something for the purpose of making an association among different things such as a person, any idea and anything.
2. Explanation of Symbol
The definition of symbol is very crucial to understand because it helps in realizing the importance of symbolism. The symbols could be defined as the idea or an object that shows or presents another idea or notion by the help of association or relationship. The examples of the symbols could be considered such as the flag of UK shows the sign of independence. The other example could also be considered such as every day is a new day and its shows the new beginning.
3. Consider and focus on details
While studying people are required to see and observe different factors such as objects, places, persons, and other aspects in a detailed manner. If the idea or person is being discussed then all the relevant attributes such as color complexion, height, and other elements need to be observed in a detailed way.
4. Big Idea names
The big idea names does show or represent the strengths of the symbols and it also shows some association or connection. The term “young man Christian” does provide the interrelation between the characters of youth and Christianity. Therefore big idea names are those concepts through which the symbols could be shown and perceived by the readers.
5. Analyze and observe repetition
There is need of understanding this attribute that sometimes the writers or authors repeat ideas or concepts throughout the content. Therefore, the repetition should be thought as something meaningful. The example of repetition could be perceived as Shakespeare has repeated rhymes in his different novels. After analyzing repetitions, readers will observe this factor that mostly rhymes are connected with some bad actions.
6. Research
The readers are needed to have deep understanding about various objects, places or things. This is crucial because of the fact that numbers along with colors are assumed to some specific notions. 13 numbers is normally assumed as unlucky or something symbolically inauspicious. The black color is used as a symbol of sorrows and death at the same time red color also denotes or used as a symbol of love or emotions.
7. Ways to analyze characteristics
As far as the importance of characteristics in the domain of symbolism is concerned, there are different things that show strong characteristic. The stapler could be assumed as the symbol of strong relationship between the two things. The characteristics play important role where symbolism is hard to identify or explore. Therefore, the characteristics of various things could be perceived in this manner.
8. Try to conclude
This is an important aspect to consider because of its importance that readers or other people should try to make connections among various symbols, characteristics, people, description and others. As a result people could develop distinct conclusions based on the connections they make among various things. In this manner the conclusions, which are more than one at times, could be found useful and correct.
How to Analyze Symbolism. Authored by: Amelie Millie. Located at: http://www.solvibrations.org/how-to-analyze-symbolism/ License: All Rights Reserved. License Terms: CC-BY-SA
Summary
Symbols have very deep meaning in works of literature, such as the road being considered one’s life path in the Robert Frost poem The Road Not Taken. Technically, one thing represents another. Symbols can be very literal (for example, a simile) or provoke deeper thought from the reader to decode. They can be objects, actions, people, or places, and they might represent an attitude, belief, value, or quality.
Determining the symbols in a story can aid in defining the theme. Often times, an author has intentional additions embedded throughout a story for the reader to interpret. Breaking down the symbolism in the story can give you a much better understanding compared to simply reading.
The two main types of symbolism are metaphor and allegory. Metaphors compare one thing to another (time is money) and allegories are enhanced metaphors (the Lion King representing Shakespeare’s Hamlet.)
