Decoding Symbolism Figure of Speech : Hidden Meanings | Definition | Examples | Common Doubts

Introduction: The Depth of Symbolism

Symbolism is like using secret codes in stories or everyday talk. It’s when you use objects, characters, or colors to represent bigger ideas or deeper meanings. 
In this blog, we’re going to look closely at what symbolism is, how it’s used, and why it makes stories or conversations so interesting. This is great for anyone who loves books, enjoys writing, or is just curious about how words can paint bigger pictures. So let’s dive in to find What is symbolism in poetry? What are some examples?

What is Symbolism?

Symbolism is the use of symbols to signify ideas and qualities by giving them symbolic meanings that are different from their literal sense. Like William wordsworth uses “Yellow Wood” to show a tough time in him poem ‘The Road Not Taken’
Typically, a symbol is something tangible or visible, like an object, action, character, or scene, that represents something abstract or intangible, such as a concept or idea. In literature, symbolism is used to add depth, convey complex themes, and evoke emotion.

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Examples of Symbolism in Literature and Everyday Communication

Symbolism is prevalent in many forms of literature, art, and daily life. So let’s dive in to find out What’s an example of symbolism in literature and and how is symbolism used in literature? Here are some examples that illustrate its power:

1. The Dove as a Symbol of Peace: The dove often symbolizes peace and tranquility in various cultures and contexts.

2. “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald: The green light at the end of Daisy’s dock symbolizes Gatsby’s hopes and dreams for the future.

3. The Heart as a Symbol of Love: Commonly used in art and literature, the heart symbolizes love and emotion.

4. “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee: The mockingbird symbolizes innocence and purity, which is central to the novel’s theme.

5. The Color Black in Literature: Often symbolizes death or evil, showing how colors can carry symbolic meanings.

The Role of Symbolism in Enhancing Expression

Symbolism plays a vital role in conveying complex ideas in both language and literature, offering a way to express thoughts and emotions that might be hard to describe directly.  So if you are asking What are some common symbolisms in literature? and What is the purpose of symbolism in literature?  Here are some informative details and accurate examples:

1. “The Raven” by Edgar Allan Poe: The raven symbolizes death and loss. Poe uses this symbol to convey the narrator’s deep grief and torment over losing his love, Lenore.

2. “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee: The mockingbird is a symbol of innocence and purity. In the novel, it represents the idea of innocence being destroyed by evil and prejudice.

3. “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald: The green light at the end of Daisy’s dock symbolizes Gatsby’s hopes and dreams for the future, particularly his desire to reunite with Daisy.

4. “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding: The conch shell symbolizes law, order, and civilized behavior. As the story progresses and the shell loses its power, it represents the breakdown of society on the island.

5. “The Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger: The title itself is symbolic. The ‘catcher in the rye’ represents the main character Holden Caulfield’s desire to protect children from the harsh realities of adult life.

In each of these examples, symbolism is used to represent complex emotions, societal concepts, or deep themes, providing a richer and more profound level of understanding than could be conveyed through direct description alone.

– Conveying Complex Ideas:

Symbolism figure of Speech allows the expression of complex thoughts and emotions that are difficult to articulate directly. Here are some direct examples of symbolism used to convey complex ideas:

1. The Green Light in “The Great Gatsby”: In F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel, the green light at the end of Daisy’s dock symbolizes Gatsby’s unattainable dreams, the American Dream, and the pursuit of the elusive future.

2. The Chess Game in “Through the Looking-Glass” by Lewis Carroll: The entire narrative is structured around a chess game, symbolizing the complexity of life’s journey and the strategic moves one must make in their personal growth and decision-making.

3. The Conch Shell in “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding: The conch shell represents order, democracy, and civilization. As the story progresses and the shell loses its power and is eventually destroyed, it symbolizes the decline of civilized order among the boys.

4. The Mockingbird in “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee: The mockingbird symbolizes innocence and the idea of doing no harm. It represents the characters Tom Robinson and Boo Radley, who are innocent but harmed by society.

5. The One Ring in “The Lord of the Rings” by J.R.R. Tolkien: The One Ring symbolizes power and temptation. It is a physical manifestation of the potential for power to corrupt and the struggle between good and evil.

6. The Phoenix in Various Cultures and Literature: Often used in literature and mythology, the phoenix symbolizes rebirth, renewal, immortality, and the cyclic nature of life. It’s often used to show how characters or societies can rise anew from the ashes of their past.

7. The Whale in “Moby-Dick” by Herman Melville: The whale, Moby Dick, symbolizes multiple complex ideas, including the unattainable, the unknowable nature of the universe, and man’s struggle against nature or fate.

8. The Color Red in “The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood: The red color of the handmaids’ attire symbolizes fertility, which is the primary role of handmaids in the dystopian society, but it also symbolizes blood, passion, and the female menstrual cycle.

These examples show how symbolism is used in literature to express complex themes and ideas that may not be easily articulated through straightforward narrative.

– Adding Depth to Narratives:

Symbolism can add layers of meaning to a story, making it more engaging and thought- provoking. Here are some examples where symbolism adds depth to narratives, enriching the stories with multiple layers of meaning:

1. The Forest in “The Scarlet Letter” by Nathaniel Hawthorne: The forest represents freedom and naturalness, contrasting with the oppressive, rigid society represented by the Puritan town. It’s where Hester and Dimmesdale can express their true selves, adding depth to the themes of sin, guilt, and redemption.

2. Water in “Life of Pi” by Yann Martel: The vast ocean in “Life of Pi” symbolizes life’s uncertainties and challenges. Pi’s journey across the ocean is fraught with danger and wonder, mirroring his spiritual and emotional quest.

3. The Eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg in “The Great Gatsby”: The billboard with the eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg overlooks the Valley of Ashes, symbolizing the moral decay hidden behind the façade of wealth and the omnipresent watch of a higher power or moral authority.

4. The Lighthouse in “To the Lighthouse” by Virginia Woolf: The lighthouse stands as a symbol for various things to different characters, including distant, unattainable desires, the passage of time, and the constant amidst change, thus adding complexity to the narrative.

5. The River in “Heart of Darkness” by Joseph Conrad: The river in Conrad’s novella is not just a physical journey for Marlow but also symbolizes a journey into the inner depths of his psyche, exploring themes of imperialism, civilization, and the darkness within the human soul.

6. Winter in “A Game of Thrones” by George R.R. Martin: The long, harsh winters in Martin’s series symbolize the constant looming threats and challenges that the characters face, serving as a metaphor for the struggles and hardships in life.

7. The Ghost in “Hamlet” by William Shakespeare: The ghost symbolizes the unresolved issues of the past, haunting the present. It adds depth to the narrative by driving Hamlet’s actions and representing the impact of past sins on current events.

8. The Color Yellow in “The Yellow Wallpaper” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman: The yellow wallpaper in Gilman’s short story symbolizes the societal attitudes towards women’s mental health and their role in society, adding depth to the narrative about oppression and liberation.

Each of these examples demonstrates how symbolism enriches a narrative, making it more engaging and thought-provoking by adding layers of meaning that resonate with the reader beyond the surface level of the story.

– Creating Emotional Resonance:

By connecting with universal symbols, it can evoke a stronger emotional response from the audience. Here are some examples demonstrating how symbolism creates emotional resonance by connecting with universal symbols, thereby eliciting stronger emotional responses from the audience:

1. The Road in “On the Road” by Jack Kerouac: The road in Kerouac’s novel symbolizes freedom, adventure, and the journey of life. It resonates emotionally with readers as a metaphor for exploration, both of the world and of oneself.

2. The Diary in “The Diary of a Young Girl” by Anne Frank: Anne Frank’s diary is not just a record of events; it symbolizes the voice of the oppressed during the Holocaust. It evokes a profound emotional response as a testament to the human spirit under extreme adversity.

3. Doves in Literature and Art: Commonly, doves symbolize peace and hope. Their appearance in various narratives and artworks often evokes a sense of tranquility and a longing for harmony, tapping into deep-seated emotional desires for peace.

4. The Attic in “Jane Eyre” by Charlotte Bronte: The attic where Bertha Mason is confined symbolizes the suppression of one’s true self. It resonates emotionally with readers as a metaphor for the societal constraints imposed on women and the internal struggle for freedom and identity.

5. The Color Blue in “The Bluest Eye” by Toni Morrison: The longing for blue eyes symbolizes a deeper yearning for acceptance and love in a world dominated by racial prejudices. It evokes a strong emotional response related to issues of identity and self-worth.

6. The Pear Tree in “Their Eyes Were Watching God” by Zora Neale Hurston: The pear tree symbolizes Janie’s idealized views of nature and love. Its recurring image evokes emotional responses related to longing, fulfillment, and the disillusionment in the pursuit of dreams.

Each of these examples showcases how symbols, deeply ingrained in human consciousness, evoke strong emotional responses, adding a layer of emotional depth and resonance to the narrative.

Here are some frequently encountered questions about Symbolism figure of speech and their explanations:

1. Doubt: What’s the difference between symbolism and metaphor?

Clarification: Symbolism and metaphor are often confused. A metaphor directly compares two different things for rhetorical effect, like saying “time is a thief.” Symbolism, on the other hand, uses an object, person, or situation to represent a more complex, often abstract idea. For example, a dove symbolizing peace.

2. Doubt: How do I differentiate between symbolism and literal meaning?

Clarification: Context is key. Symbolism often depends on the context within the narrative. If an object or character is given focus or repeated importance beyond its literal role, it likely symbolizes something deeper. Recognizing symbolism often involves looking for deeper, more abstract meanings that an element in the text might represent.

3. Doubt: Can an object or character represent multiple symbols or ideas?

Clarification: Absolutely yes. Symbolism is not always singular or straightforward. Depending on the context, an object or character can symbolize different ideas to different people or within different narratives. For example, water can symbolize purification, chaos, or change, depending on its usage in the text.

4. Doubt: Can symbolism change over time?

Clarification: Yes, the meanings of symbols can evolve. As cultures and societies change, the symbols they use and their meanings can also shift. What was a powerful symbol in one era might be less impactful or have a different meaning in another.

Example: The Swastika

– Ancient Use: Originally, the swastika was a symbol of auspiciousness and good fortune in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. It dates back thousands of years and can be found in ancient temples and religious texts. In these contexts, the swastika is a positive symbol representing well-being, prosperity, and good luck.

– Modern Context: In the 20th century, the swastika was appropriated by the Nazi Party in Germany. Under this regime, it became a symbol of Nazism, racial purity theories, and the atrocities of World War II and the Holocaust. Actually the symbol of Nazi’s was similar to swastika. 

This example demonstrates how a symbol’s meaning can undergo significant transformation over time, influenced by cultural, political, and historical changes. The swastika’s evolution from an ancient symbol of good fortune to a modern emblem of oppression is a stark reminder of how symbols are not fixed in meaning but are subject to the ebb and flow of societal changes and perceptions.

Understanding these doubts about symbolism helps in appreciating and analyzing literature more deeply, allowing for a richer reading experience and a better grasp of the multifaceted nature of literary texts.

Conclusion: The Endless Resonance of Symbolism

Symbolism is an example of the depth and creativity of human expression. It opens up worlds of meaning beyond the literal, inviting readers and listeners to explore the deeper significance of words and images. Through this we are reminded of the power of language to convey profound truths and connect with our shared human experience.

FAQs

What role does symbolism play in contemporary literature?

Symbolism continues to play a significant role in contemporary literature, serving various purposes that enrich and deepen the reading experience. Its role can be understood through several key aspects:

1. Reflecting Modern Themes and Issues: Contemporary literature often grapples with complex, multifaceted themes such as globalization, technology’s impact, identity politics, environmental concerns, and mental health. Symbolism allows authors to encapsulate these broad, often abstract ideas into more digestible and relatable forms. 

For example, dystopian novels frequently use symbols to comment on societal issues and future anxieties.

2. Cultural and Social Commentary: Symbols in contemporary literature often serve as tools for social and cultural critique. Writers use symbols to subtly highlight issues like racial inequality, gender dynamics, and political unrest, offering commentary on current societal states or trends.

Racial Inequality: In “The Underground Railroad” by Colson Whitehead, the literal underground railroad, a secret network of tracks and tunnels, symbolizes the historical struggle for freedom and the ongoing journey towards racial equality in America.

Gender Dynamics: In Margaret Atwood’s “The Testaments,” the color of the women’s dresses (red for Handmaids, blue for Wives, green for Marthas) symbolizes the rigid gender roles and the control of female sexuality in the dystopian society of Gilead.

Political Unrest: In “Exit West” by Mohsin Hamid, the magical doors that allow people to move instantly between different locations symbolize the challenges of immigration and the fluidity of national borders in a globalized world.

Environmental Concerns: In “Flight Behavior” by Barbara Kingsolver, the sudden appearance of a colony of monarch butterflies in an unusual location symbolizes the impact of climate change and the delicate balance of the natural world.

Mental Health: In “Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine” by Gail Honeyman, Eleanor’s ritualistic lifestyle and structured routines symbolize her struggle with past trauma and her journey towards emotional healing.

Social Media and Perception: In “Super Sad True Love Story” by Gary Shteyngart, the omnipresent digital ranking system that characters use to rate each other symbolizes the obsession with social media validation and superficial judgments in modern society.

Each of these examples demonstrates how contemporary writers use symbolism to engage with and critique various social, political, and cultural issues, encouraging readers to reflect on these complex themes.

3. Exploring Inner Psychology: With a growing interest in the nuances of human psychology, contemporary writers use symbolism to delve into the complexities of their characters’ inner lives. Objects, settings, or even specific actions can symbolize a character’s emotional state, conflicts, or transformation. Here are some examples:

“The Goldfinch” by Donna Tartt: The painting ‘The Goldfinch’ symbolizes loss, survival, and the lingering impact of trauma on the protagonist, Theo. It represents his emotional connection to his mother and his struggle to find meaning and identity in the wake of her death.

“Norwegian Wood” by Haruki Murakami: The novel frequently uses settings like isolated cabins or deep wells to symbolize the characters’ emotional isolation and their internal struggles with grief and mental health.

“The Bell Jar” by Sylvia Plath: The bell jar is a powerful symbol of the protagonist’s mental suffocation and her struggle with depression. It represents her feeling of being trapped and her distorted view of the world around her.

4. Enhancing Narrative Depth: Symbols add layers of meaning to a story, encouraging readers to engage more deeply with the text. This engagement often requires readers to interpret and ponder the underlying meanings, thereby creating a more interactive and thought-provoking reading experience. Here are some names of contemporary literary works where symbols significantly enhance the narrative depth:

1. “Cloud Atlas” by David Mitchell
2. “The Night Circus” by Erin Morgenstern
3. “Life After Life” by Kate Atkinson
4. “The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle” by Haruki Murakami
5. “Middlesex” by Jeffrey Eugenides
6. “The History of Love” by Nicole Krauss
7. “A Visit from the Goon Squad” by Jennifer Egan
8. “Never Let Me Go” by Kazuo Ishiguro
9. “The Shadow of the Wind” by Carlos Ruiz Zafón
10. “The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao” by Junot Díaz

In each of these works, symbolism plays a crucial role in adding depth and layers of meaning, enriching the narrative and enhancing reader engagement.

5. Universal Connectivity: Symbolism can bridge cultural and temporal gaps, connecting stories and themes to a broader human experience. By using universal symbols or creating new ones that resonate widely, contemporary literature can speak to diverse audiences across different backgrounds.

Here are the names of contemporary literary works that use symbolism for universal connectivity, presented in a pointwise format:

“The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho: Utilizes the journey of its protagonist as a universal symbol for personal dreams and the quest for meaning.

“The Book Thief” by Markus Zusak: Employs the power of words and books as symbols of hope and resistance in the face of adversity, resonating across cultures.

“The Kite Runner” by Khaled Hosseini: Uses the kite as a symbol of childhood innocence, the fragility of relationships, and the cultural ties of Afghanistan, connecting with readers worldwide.

“Beloved” by Toni Morrison: Incorporates symbols like the ghost of Beloved to explore the universal themes of slavery’s enduring legacy and the struggle for identity.

“Life of Pi” by Yann Martel: The story’s use of the tiger, the ocean, and the lifeboat symbolizes faith, survival, and the quest for understanding, appealing to a global audience.

Each of these works demonstrates how contemporary authors use symbolism to bridge cultural and temporal divides, creating narratives that resonate on a universal level.

6. Artistic Expression and Experimentation: Contemporary literature is marked by a wide range of styles and experimental forms. Authors often use symbolism as a means of artistic expression, pushing the boundaries of traditional narrative forms and exploring new ways of storytelling. Here’s a more concise overview of how contemporary literature showcases artistic expression and experimentation through symbolism:

1. “House of Leaves” by Mark Z. Danielewski: Features a labyrinth-like house symbolizing psychological complexity, with an unconventional narrative structure.

2. “Infinite Jest” by David Foster Wallace: Uses the idea of ‘entertainment’ as a symbol for media addiction, within a novel known for its non-linear narrative and footnotes.

3. “Cloud Atlas” by David Mitchell: Combines six narratives with a recurring comet-shaped birthmark symbolizing human interconnectedness across time and space.

4. “The Famished Road” by Ben Okri: Blends magical realism and folklore, using a spirit-child as a symbol of hope and resilience in a narrative marked by its lyrical style.

Each work exemplifies the use of symbolism in innovative storytelling, reflecting the diversity and creativity in contemporary literature.

7. Intertextuality: Modern authors frequently reference symbols from classical texts, myths, or earlier literary works, creating a dialogue between the past and present. This intertextuality enriches the text, providing depth and a sense of continuity in the literary tradition. Here are examples where modern authors incorporate intertextuality through symbolism, creating a dialogue between past and present literary traditions:

1. “The Hours” by Michael Cunningham: This novel mirrors and extends Virginia Woolf’s “Mrs. Dalloway”. Cunningham uses the figure of Woolf and her work as a symbol to explore themes of feminism, mental illness, and existential dread.

2. “The Penelopiad” by Margaret Atwood: Atwood reimagines the story of Penelope from Homer’s “Odyssey”. She uses the myth as a symbol to critique gender dynamics and to give voice to previously marginalized characters.

3. “A Thousand Acres” by Jane Smiley: A reworking of Shakespeare’s “King Lear”, set in a modern American farm. The farm and the family’s dynamic symbolize the themes of power, betrayal, and tragedy from the original play.

4. “Possession” by A.S. Byatt: This novel intertwines Victorian and contemporary narratives, using poetry and letters as symbols to connect past and present romantic and literary relationships.

5. “Ulysses” by James Joyce: Joyce’s landmark novel takes Homer’s “Odyssey” and sets it in modern Dublin. The novel uses this classical framework as a symbolic backdrop for exploring early 20th-century life in Ireland.

These examples show how contemporary authors use symbols from classical literature and mythology to enrich their narratives, creating a layered and deep textual experience that resonates with both historical and modern themes.

Conclusion- 

In conclusion, symbolism in contemporary literature serves as a versatile and powerful tool for expressing complex ideas, offering social commentary, exploring psychological depths, and experimenting with new narrative forms. It helps authors communicate with their readers on a level that transcends the literal and invites deeper exploration and interpretation.