SYMBOL IN LITERATURE DR. HUSNIAH SAHAMID
Symbols – some definition A symbol is a sign further layers of meaning a symbol means more than it literally says http://web.mst.edu/~gdoty/classes/concepts-practices/def-symbols.htmlre literal - symbols are not!.
General symbols Religious symbols Political symbols
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.
Symbol- Defn Something that represents something else by association, resemblance, or convention especially a material object used to represent something invisible.
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.
Classic examples Adam and Eve: when Eve ate the apple Apple stood for sin Serpent – negative : evil/temptation/satan
Great Gatsby Huge pair of bespectacled eyes Over wilderness of a rubbish heap Symbol: God
Symbol association - can have 3 kinds: Often will have all three 1. personal 2. cultural 3. universal
Personal: associations with things in our experience One person may have strong affection for dogs another person may fear them intensely.
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.
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
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.
Common literary symbols Symbols referring to damnation: Fire, flames, heat, hot temperatures Symbols referring to salvation: angels, haloes, clouds, churches /mosques/temples
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
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.
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.
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’
Recognising symbols Sometimes writer: gives paticular emphasis may repeat may appear in the title of the story - a clean well-lighted place, - barn-burning
Symbol or not? Maybe NOT a symbol but Tie in with the theme With the message what the writer is trying to convey