The word symbol derives from the Greek verb symballein-to throw together, and its noun symbolon-mark, emblem, token or sign. It is an object, which represents or stands for something else. Symbolism is a relatively straight forward concept on its surface. Is a visible object or action that suggests some further meaning in addition to itself, it is the most ancient and fundamental method of expression.
First of all, let us say that at the level of archaic societies, symbolism is, or at least was a religious symbolism. Symbols reveal a modality of the real or a deep structure of the world, and in the spiritual horizon of primitive man, the real mingles with the sacred and the world is considered the creation of gods. According to Professor Whitehead a symbol certainly, means something presented to the senses or the imagination usually to the sense which stands for something else. Symbolism in that way runs through the whole of life. Every moment we are seeing objects or hearing sounds or smelling smells which bring to our minds words, for instance, as spoken or written sings. And if symbolism thus runs trough life as a whole, it is a factor of the first importance in religion. I think his study of symbolism expresses a common human experience. "Every activity is basic symbolism. The universe is constantly trying to reach us to say something or teach something, but we are rejecting it all the time." says Chogyam Trungpa. He also says that symbolism doesn't have to be poetic, or spiritual, or mystical; it is the ordinary truth that takes place in everyday life. .
The term Symbolism is also a convenient label for literary historians to designate the post-romantic era. According to Griffith, symbolism is offering the reader a concrete object that actually has a broader, more abstract meaning to the story or novel.
Definition can't be achieved without a clarification of the ambiguities. For a term that has come to mean so many things to so many people, equivocations could not have been avoided.
Is Alice Walker the Symbolism Behind The Color Purple? Alice Walker's novel, The Color Purple is a reflection of Walker's own personal struggles in life. Not necessarily the same struggles as the characters in her book but struggles that formed the person that she has become. Alice Walker w...
Symbolism in the two stories of death In the two stories of "The Lottery" and "A Rose for Emily" symbolism is used in the same way. These two stories are about death and the way symbolism is used in both. ... In the story "A rose for Emily" the symbolism is between the Grierson's house and the physical attributes of Miss Emily. ... It is precisely this open usage of symbolism and the expert utilization of foreshowing that earned both William Faulkner and "A Rose for Emily" their places among the classics ...
"Symbolism and Plot" Symbolism and plot are different from each other by definition; however, have a relationship towards each other when writing a story. ... Symbolism is utilized as an enhancement tool to stress the plot of each story. Symbolism is used greatly in the short stories "Chrysanthemums" by John Steinbeck, and "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson; therefore, symbolism has a tendency to influence the plot in both short stories. ... Symbolism can greatly influence the plot, because it helps plan out the events. ... Symbolism is important in each story to define the plot. ...
One of these techniques is the usage of symbolism. ... Lawrence's "The Rocking Horse Winner", symbolism is used to reveal conflicts between Paul and his mother to the reader. In Katherine Mansfield's "Miss Brill", the use of symbolism underscores Miss Brill's innocence. ... Lawrence uses symbolism in order to show the reader the conflicts existing between Paul and his mother. ... The use of symbolism in these short stories carries out different functions the author selected prior to writing his/her story. ...
When reflecting on a text such as Hamlet, it is difficult to do so without acknowledging the poetry and symbolism within, and thus the poetic and symbolic nature of the play. ... However, imagery, themes and motifs employed by the playwright must also be considered when studying poetry, symbolism and the poetic and symbolic nature of Hamlet. ... Symbolism of disease and decay is also employed by the playwright when addressing the issue of Hamlets sanity. ... The symbolism and imagery that Shakespeare uses within Hamlet tends to euphemise and beautify the stark and callous picture he is present...
In literature a very common literary device is symbolism. Authors often use symbolism to communicate a deeper idea than they actually write. Symbolism is an object used by an author to open doors of meaning. ... The second form of symbolism in The Destructors is the effect of the war on younger generations. ... The third example of symbolism in The Destructors is Trevor himself. ...
In the short story, "A Rose for Emily" by William Faulkner, symbolism is used frequently throughout the story. ... "A Rose for Emily" contains many examples of strong symbolism, which is thoroughly spread and revealed throughout the entire story. ... Symbolism is very important throughout the story, and plays one of the biggest roles in the essential meaning of the entire story. ...
Symbolism plays a large role into this perception. ... Symbolism begins from the beginning to the end. Without the symbolism, the story relates only a handful of characters in mixed up roles. ... Her use of symbolism to inspire the reader to look deep was unique. ... Symbolism creates the images for the reader to be able to relate to in their own lives. ...
