Symbolism and Allegory Layers of Meaning

What are Symbols? A symbol is often an ordinary object, event, person, or animal to which we have attached extraordinary meaning and significance.

We use a rectangle of dyed cloth to symbolize a country.

We use a picture of a skull and crossbones to symbolize poison or danger. We send red roses as a symbol of love.

Where do symbols come from? Symbols can be inherited or invented The most familiar symbols have been inherited, meaning, they have been handed down over time

Public and Inherited Symbols For example, no one really knows who first thought of using a lion as a symbol of power, courage and domination. Once these qualities were associated with the animal, images of lions appeared on flags, banners, coats of arms and castle walls The lion became a public symbol that still shows up in art and literature today.

A crown symbolizes royalty. People through out history have endowed ordinary objects with meanings far beyond their simple meaning. A crown symbolizes royalty. Five linked rings symbolize the Olympics.

Invented Symbols Writers often take a new object, character, or event and make it the embodiment of some human concern. Some invented symbols in literature have become so widely known that they often have gained the status of public symbols. For example, Peter Pan is a symbol for eternal childhood.

Why Create Symbols? You may ask why writers don’t just come right out and say what they mean. Symbols allow writers to suggest layers and layers of meaning - possibilities that a simple, literal statement could never convey. A symbol is like a pebble cast into a pond: It sends out ever widening ripples of meaning

How do I know if something in literature is a symbol? Repeat appearances Seems to be connected with a character or event Author spends long time on description

Allegory: Split Level Stories An allegory is a story in which characters, settings and actions stand for something beyond themselves. In some types of allegories, the characters and setting represent abstract ideas of moral qualities. In other types, characters and situations stand for historical figures and events.

An allegory can be read on one level for its literal or straightforward meaning And on a second level for its symbolic, or allegorical, meaning. Allegories are often intended to teach a moral lesson or to make a comment about goodness and vice.

One Example of an Allegory This picture contains a serpent (snake) and an apple. What are some things that come to mind when you see this image? Often times, a serpent or snake is used to symbolize temptation or trouble. This allegory stems from it’s biblical reference. What does the apple stand for?

Symbolism vs. Allegory A symbol is a word, place, character, or object that means something beyond what it is on a literal level. An allegory involves using many interconnected symbols or allegorical figures in such as way that in nearly every element of the narrative has a meaning beyond the literal level, i.e., everything in the narrative is a symbol that relates to other symbols within the story.