Table of Contents
What is a symbol in literature definition?
A symbol is anything that hints at something else, usually something abstract, such as an idea or belief. A literary symbol is an object, a person, a situation, or an action that has a literal meaning in a story but suggests or represents other meanings.
What is a symbol example?
A symbol is a mark, sign, or word that indicates, signifies, or is understood as representing an idea, object, or relationship. For example, a red octagon is a common symbol for “STOP”; on maps, blue lines often represent rivers; and a red rose often symbolizes love and compassion.
What does symbol mean in language?
A symbol is a person, place, action, word, or thing that (by association, resemblance, or convention) represents something other than itself. In language studies, symbol is sometimes used as another term for logograph.
Why are symbols used in literature?
In literature, symbolism is used to produce an impact, which it accomplishes by attaching additional meaning to an action, object, or name. In other words, symbolism allows a writer to convey something to their audience in a poetic way instead of saying it outright.
How do you read symbols in literature?
How to Tell When Something Is Really a Symbol
- Look at descriptions. If a character is always dressed in purple clothing and wearing a crown, these items probably symbolize the character’s power, wealth, and royal status.
- Look for repetition.
- Pay attention to the turning points in a story.
Are all words symbols?
Symbolism is all around us, and although some symbols are universal, some concepts have symbolic significance that are purely individual. As I’m sure you’ve guessed, words are made up of symbols (the alphabet), but words also have a deep symbolic significance in themselves.
What are some examples of symbols in literature?
Symbolism in literature is defined as one tangible thing that represents an intangible thing. In literature and essays, there are examples of symbolism. Typically, symbols are repeated throughout literature. Some examples of popular symbols in literature are the green light in The Great Gatsby and the conch shell in The Lord of the Flies .
What are the most common literary symbols?
Some of the most common literary symbols include fire, gardens and water . Fire can represent truth. A garden can parallel the garden of eden in the bible and represent lost innocence.
In literature, symbolism is used to produce an impact , which it accomplishes by attaching additional meaning to an action, object, or name. Symbolism takes something that is usually concrete and associates or affixes it to something else in order to give it a new and more significant meaning.
What is the function of “symbolism” in literature?
The Functions of Symbolism in Literature In literature, almost all writers like using symbols to extend meaning beyond the prosaic. A symbol is a figure of speech in which an object, person or situation represent something in addition to its literal meaning. Many writers-in fact, most or all authors of fiction-make the symbolic use of concepts and objects as rhetorical devices central to the meaning of their works.