What is Symbolism in What is Symbolism in Literature?Literature?

Symbolism is when the author uses an Symbolism is when the author uses an object or reference to add deeper object or reference to add deeper meaning to a story. Symbolism in meaning to a story. Symbolism in

literature can be subtle or obvious, used literature can be subtle or obvious, used sparingly or heavy-handedly. An author sparingly or heavy-handedly. An author may repeatedly use the same object to may repeatedly use the same object to

convey deeper meaning or may use convey deeper meaning or may use variations of the same object to create variations of the same object to create

an overarching mood or feeling. an overarching mood or feeling. Symbolism is often used to support a Symbolism is often used to support a literary theme in a subtle manner. literary theme in a subtle manner.

What Are Some Examples of What Are Some Examples of Symbolism?Symbolism?

► The following are common symbols used in literary The following are common symbols used in literary works: works:

► Symbols referring to damnation:Symbols referring to damnation: Fire, flames, Fire, flames, heat, hot temperatures heat, hot temperatures

► Symbols referring to salvation:Symbols referring to salvation: Crosses, angels, Crosses, angels, haloes, clouds, churches haloes, clouds, churches

► Symbols referring to reincarnation or Symbols referring to reincarnation or reinvention:reinvention: Phoenix rising from flames, crosses, Phoenix rising from flames, crosses, rainbows, passing storms, dawn, sunrise, broken rainbows, passing storms, dawn, sunrise, broken chains chains

► Symbols referring to death or endings:Symbols referring to death or endings: Gravestones, cemeteries, Grim Reaper, Day of the Gravestones, cemeteries, Grim Reaper, Day of the Dead, skulls, candle blowing out, coffin, ringing of bellDead, skulls, candle blowing out, coffin, ringing of bell

What Are Common Cultural What Are Common Cultural Symbols?Symbols?

► When looking for cultural symbols in When looking for cultural symbols in literature, you'll want to think of what literature, you'll want to think of what symbols represent moral standards, beliefs or symbols represent moral standards, beliefs or patriotic themes for a culture or country. Here patriotic themes for a culture or country. Here are some cultural symbols you might see:are some cultural symbols you might see:

►American cultural symbols:American cultural symbols: Red, white and Red, white and blue colors; Bald Eagle; coin with "In God We blue colors; Bald Eagle; coin with "In God We Trust" Trust"

► Indian cultural symbols:Indian cultural symbols: yogi, banyan tree, yogi, banyan tree, image of Indian god or goddess   image of Indian god or goddess  

► Chinese cultural symbols:Chinese cultural symbols: Bamboo tree, Bamboo tree, bonsai tree, yin/yang symbolbonsai tree, yin/yang symbol

►Sometimes cultural symbols are more Sometimes cultural symbols are more specific to a particular cultural group. specific to a particular cultural group. A Mohawk haircut or an anarchy A Mohawk haircut or an anarchy symbol indicate a punk rocker. Medals symbol indicate a punk rocker. Medals and swords symbolize a member of and swords symbolize a member of the military. Nets and ropes can the military. Nets and ropes can symbolize a fisherman or sea captain.symbolize a fisherman or sea captain.

How Do Writers Use How Do Writers Use Symbolism?Symbolism?

►Writers insert symbols into their Writers insert symbols into their writing to allude to a feeling, mood or writing to allude to a feeling, mood or attitude without directly stating the attitude without directly stating the perspective or mood intended. perspective or mood intended. Symbolism is supplemental to the Symbolism is supplemental to the story. story.