Symbolism: A Literary Device

Etymology of Symbolism

The term “symbolism” derives from the ancient Greek “symbolon,” a compound of “sym” (together) and “ballein” (to throw or put), initially referring to a token or sign of identity in contracts and rituals. Its semantic evolution led to a broader concept of symbols and signs used for conveying abstract meanings.

However, in the late 19th century, the Symbolist movement, notably in French literature and art, embraced symbolism as a means to evoke complex emotions and convey abstract ideas, departing from realism and naturalism, thus further popularizing its use in artistic and literary contexts.

Meanings of Symbolism

1. Symbolism in Literature: In literature, symbolism involves using symbols to represent abstract ideas or qualities beyond their literal meaning. For instance, a rose may symbolize love, while a skull may symbolize death.
2. Symbolism in Religion: Religious symbolism is employed to represent spiritual or divine concepts. For example, a cross symbolizes Christ’s sacrifice, and a lotus flower symbolizes enlightenment.
3. Symbolism in Art: In art, symbolism entails the use of symbolic imagery to convey complex or abstract ideas.
4. Everyday Language: Symbolism is also used colloquially to describe situations where one thing represents or stands for another, extending beyond the realms of literature, religion, and art.

Symbolism in Grammar

Symbolism in Literature	Symbolism in Religion	Symbolism in Art	Everyday Language
In literature, symbolism involves using symbols to represent abstract ideas or qualities beyond their literal meaning.	Religious symbolism is employed to represent spiritual or divine concepts.	In art, symbolism entails the use of symbolic imagery to convey complex or abstract ideas.	Symbolism is also used colloquially to describe situations where one thing represents or stands for another, extending beyond the realms of literature, religion, and art.
For instance, a rose may symbolize love, while a skull may symbolize death.	For example, a cross symbolizes Christ’s sacrifice, and a lotus flower symbolizes enlightenment.

Definition of Symbolism

Symbolism is a literary device in which an object, person, or situation represents something else, usually an abstract idea or concept. The use of symbolism allows writers to convey complex ideas or emotions indirectly, creating a deeper and more nuanced reading experience for the audience. Symbolism can take many forms, including metaphors, similes, allegories, and motifs.

Types of Symbolism

There are several types of symbolism that can be used in literature:

Literary Symbolism Techniques	Description	Example
Metaphors	A metaphor is a comparison between two things that are not literally connected, creating a symbolic meaning to represent a larger idea or concept.	“Time is a thief.”
Similes	Similar to metaphors, similes use words like “like” or “as” to make a comparison, creating symbolic meaning by connecting unrelated things.	“Her smile was as bright as the sun.”
Allegories	An allegory is a narrative where characters, events, or objects carry symbolic meaning throughout the entire story, representing larger ideas or concepts.	George Orwell’s “Animal Farm” symbolizes the Russian Revolution and totalitarianism.
Motifs	Motifs are recurring elements like objects, colors, or symbols that are used throughout a work of literature to create symbolic meaning.	The recurring use of the color red in “The Scarlet Letter” symbolizes passion and sin.
Personification	Personification attributes human qualities to non-human entities, like animals or objects, to create symbolic meaning by representing abstract concepts concretely.	“The wind whispered secrets through the trees.”
Overall Significance	Symbolism in literature enables writers to convey deeper and more complex meanings beyond the literal interpretation of the text, enhancing the richness of the narrative.	–

Common Examples of Symbolism

Here are some common examples of symbolism in literature:

• The color white: In many cultures, white is associated with purity, innocence, and goodness. In literature, white can be used to symbolize these qualities, such as in the white whale in Herman Melville’s Moby Dick.
• The rose: The rose is a common symbol of love and beauty in literature, such as in William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, where the rose represents the beauty of Juliet.
• The snake: Snakes are often used in literature to symbolize danger or temptation, such as in the biblical story of Adam and Eve.
• The journey: A journey can be used as a symbol of personal growth or transformation, such as in J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, where Frodo’s journey represents his personal transformation.
• The owl: The owl is often used to symbolize wisdom and knowledge, such as in J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series, where the wise old owl, Dumbledore, serves as a mentor to Harry.

These are just a few examples of the many ways symbolism can be used in literature to convey complex meanings and ideas.

Literary Examples of Symbolism

Symbol in Literature	Novel	Description
The Green Light	The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald	The green light that Gatsby sees across the water represents his longing for Daisy and the American Dream. It symbolizes his hopes, aspirations, and desire to be with Daisy.
The Conch Shell	Lord of the Flies by William Golding	The conch shell represents democracy and order on the island. It is used to call meetings and establish rules. As the boys descend into chaos, the conch loses its power and is eventually destroyed.
The Scarlet Letter “A”	The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne	The scarlet letter “A” that Hester Prynne is forced to wear symbolizes her adultery and shame. It also becomes a symbol of her strength and resilience in the face of societal judgment.
The Mockingbird	To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee	The mockingbird represents innocence and kindness in the novel. It’s considered a sin to kill a mockingbird because they do no harm and only bring joy. The mockingbird symbolizes the innocence of characters like Tom Robinson and Boo Radley.
The Apple	Snow White by the Brothers Grimm	The apple is a symbol of temptation and evil in the fairy tale. The queen uses it to trick Snow White, leading to her death. The apple serves as a warning about the dangers of temptation and disobedience.

Suggested Readings

1. Abrams, M. H. A Glossary of Literary Terms. Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1999.
2. Baldick, Chris. Oxford Dictionary of Literary Terms. Oxford University Press, 2008.
3. Bottigheimer, Ruth B., editor. Fairy Tales and Society: Illusion, Allusion, and Paradigm. University of Pennsylvania Press, 1986.
4. Cirlot, J. E. A Dictionary of Symbols. Dover Publications, 2002.
5. Freud, Sigmund. The Interpretation of Dreams. Basic Books, 2010.
6. Jung, Carl Gustav. Man and His Symbols. Doubleday, 1964.
7. Sturges, Robert S. The Cambridge Companion to Allegory. Cambridge University Press, 2010.