A Lucid Guide To Symbolism In Literature

A Lucid Guide To Symbolism In Literature

The Oxford Dictionary defines symbolism in literature as an artistic and poetic movement or style that used symbolic images and indirect suggestions to express mystical ideas, emotions, and state of mind. Originating in the late 19^th century France and Belgium, it persists to this day and finds usage as a highly influential literary device by numerous writers around the world.

The Oxford Dictionary defines symbolism in literature as an artistic and poetic movement or style that used symbolic images and indirect suggestions to express mystical ideas, emotions, and state of mind. Originating in the late 19^th century France and Belgium, it persists to this day and finds usage as a highly influential literary device by numerous writers around the world.

Let’s take a closer look at how symbolic references play a crucial role in literature.

Symbolism As a Figure of Speech

Symbolic usage of words is an effective way to add layers to a text. From the time of its inception in the late 1800s, writers across the world have used symbolism to highlight inner meanings, evoke emotions and create a mood or atmosphere. And, therein lies the simplest definition of symbolism in literature.

Put merely, symbolism in literature enables writers to instill double meaning in their texts.

Symbolic Color

Specific colors are symbolic representatives of numerous aspects of the human psyche. Here are a few examples.

Black= The color black has often stood as symbolism for something ominous and foreboding. Black also indicates mourning, sadness, and death in many cases.

Red= In specific texts, red symbolizes passion while, in many cases, it indicates embarrassment. The color red can also be a symbol of danger, blood, fire, and even communism.

Green= Here is one color that is a unanimous representation of nature, natural surroundings, forestry, and youth.

Blue= Blue can represent the vast oceans, melancholy and even asphyxiation as our skin often turns blue due to lack of oxygen.

In literature, every primary color and specific secondary colors are an icon for symbolism and depict either an emotion, entity, or environment.

Symbolic Seasons

Seasons have been used for symbolism. For example,

• Springs represent birth, renewal, and a new beginning.
• Summer indicates maturity and knowledge.
• Autumn generally symbolizes maturity or a near-death scenario.
• Similarly, winter is a symbol of harsh conditions and even cases involving death.

Symbolic Objects & Words

Suggestive words put a twist on a regular text by adding layers of meaning and even mystery to it. Consider this famous monologue from William Shakespeare’s play As You Like It,

“All the world’s a stage

And all the men and women merely players

They have their exits and their entrances

And one man in his time plays many parts.”

As evident from the passage, the word stage over here symbolizes the world we live in while exits & entrances depict birth and death.

The uses of symbolism in literature are quite specific and remained unchanged over the years. Let’s take a look.

The Purpose And Significance Of Symbolic Writing

Any thoughtful reader may think, “Why do we use of symbolism in literature?” The simple answer to this question is to add purpose and depth.

Like metaphors, allegory, and allusion, symbolism aims for maximum effectiveness through minimal text. Symbolism was an influential figure of speech then and is still now. The importance of symbolism in literature has not diminished as symbols, allegories, and metaphors are still used to signify literary symbolism.

For example, the phrase Life’s a roller-coaster signifies the unstable nature of life and how it can be full of ups and downs. Metaphors such as these use symbolic structures to convey messages and evoke emotions.

The primary purpose of symbolism is to portray a more profound meaning of a text.

• Symbols are an excellent way to ‘show’ your story instead of just ‘telling’ it.
• Symbolism in literature is a symbol of the writer’s creative flair and skills.
• It can be said that symbolism allows writers to reject realism and instead indirectly deliver the truth or meaning.
• Symbolism played a large role in the history of world literature, as its purpose was always to reveal a greater meaning of the text.

From the time of the Bible, when the apple symbolized sin, symbolism enabled writers to send their message across craftily and effectively. Thus, we can say that the real purpose and importance of symbolism in literature are to instill a more significant meaning beyond the literal meaning of the literature.

Types Of Symbolism In Literature

The various types of the symbolism found in literature can be broadly classified into three major categories:

• Religious Symbolism= One of the most ancient and commonly accepted forms of symbolism in literary history, the best examples of literary works that utilized religious symbolism are John Milton’s Paradise Lost and Fyodor Dostoevsky’s The Brothers Karamazov.
• Romantic Symbolism= Second only to religious symbolism, romantic symbolism pervades throughout world literature. The works of William Shakespeare contain some of the best examples of literary symbolism in English literature.
• Emotional Symbolism= Many writers use physical symbolism to depict metaphysical emotions. The poetry of William Butler Yeats is an excellent example of emotional symbolism.

Symbolism, in literary terms, is the conveyance of inner thoughts, hidden ideas, suppressed emotions, or deeper revelations. Any work utilizing symbolism in literature are examples of the writer’s attempt to inform and educate their readers about their inner state of mind.

And that wraps up this article. Let’s hope it acts as a guide in your understanding of symbolism in literature.

But, if the myriad applications of symbolism seem a bit too hard to grasp, do not worry as we are to help you out. You can also use rate my paper service to get a grade estimate. Essaygator.com has the right experts to get you out of a jam.

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