1. SYMBOL IN LITERATURE
DR. HUSNIAH SAHAMID

2. Symbols – some definition
A symbol is a sign
further layers of meaning
a symbol means more than it literally says
literal - symbols are not!.

3. General symbols
Religious symbols
Political symbols

4. Symbol - Defn a word or object that stands for another word or object
object or word can be seen with the eye or not visible
Ex. a dove stands for Peace.
The dove can be seen and peace cannot.

5. Symbol- Defn Something that represents something else by association,
resemblance, or convention
especially a material object used to represent something invisible.

6. Literature - Symbols
provide meaning to the writing beyond what is actually being described
plot and action thought of as one level,
symbolism of certain things
act on another level to enhance the story.

7. Classic examples Adam and Eve: when Eve ate the apple
Apple stood for sin
Serpent – negative : evil/temptation/satan

8. Great Gatsby
Huge pair of bespectacled eyes
Over wilderness of a rubbish heap
Symbol: God

9. Symbol association - can have 3 kinds: Often will have all three
1. personal
2. cultural
3. universal

10. Personal: associations with things in our experience
One person may have strong affection for dogs
another person may fear them intensely.

11. Cultural Different symbols different meanings in different cultures.
A lion can represent Christ in Christian culture;
Sumerian culture, sun represents god Marduk.
Chinese culture: dogs - devotion & loyalty
Islamic culture: impurity.

12. Common Cultural Symbols?
When looking for cultural symbols in literature
think of what symbols represent moral standards, beliefs or patriotic themes for a culture / country.
American cultural symbols: Red, white and blue colors; Bald Eagle; coin with "In God We Trust"
Indian cultural symbols: yogi, banyan tree, image of Indian god or goddess  
Chinese cultural symbols: Bamboo tree, bonsai tree, yin/yang symbol

13. Universal: Jungian psychology, & other theories
Argue: some symbols have universal meaning.
Lions : deity in a variety of cultures
Serpent/snake
Trying to discern,
express universal
meaning of a symbol
is tricky.

14. Common literary symbols
Symbols referring to damnation:
Fire, flames, heat, hot temperatures
Symbols referring to salvation:
angels, haloes, clouds, churches /mosques/temples

15. Common literary symbols
Symbols referring to reincarnation or reinvention:
Phoenix rising from flames, crosses, rainbows, passing storms, dawn, sunrise, broken chains
Symbols referring to death or endings: Gravestones, cemeteries, Grim Reaper, Day of the Dead, skulls, candle blowing out, coffin, ringing of bell

16. Symbolic Act A gesture/ action with larger significance Barn – burning
The act symbolise more than destroying barn
Symbol of expression of hatred
Father’s memories of the “waste & extravagance of war”
Kennedy and Gioia . (1995) Literature.

17. Allegory
Animal Farm,
entire story is a symbol for the evils of communism,
animal characters representing key figures in the Russian revolution.
can be read as hildren's story
Realise - various elements and characters in the story symbolize
the novel takes on a whole new meaning.
story is called an allegory.

18. Why use symbols? Its compact Its powerful/profound Able to suggest
Watch – symbol for time
Ticking of watch – slow & invisible passage of time
Sense of helplessness associated with ‘ticking’

19. Recognising symbols Sometimes writer: gives paticular emphasis
may repeat
may appear in the title of the story
- a clean well-lighted place,
- barn-burning

20. Symbol or not? Maybe NOT a symbol but Tie in with the theme
With the message
what the writer is trying to convey