1. Meaning beyond the obvious
Symbols and Motifs
Meaning beyond
the obvious

2. A symbol is…
an object that stands for itself and a greater idea. We see symbols every day…

3. Symbols and Symbolism
A symbol is anything that hints at something else, usually something abstract, such as and idea or belief.
A literary symbol is an object, a person, a situation, or an action that has a literal meaning in a story but suggests or represents other meanings beyond what is written.
Do both of the symbols we talked about reflect correctly the definition of a symbol?

4. Symbolism as Mood/Atmosphere
When an author wants to suggest a certain mood or emotion, he can also use symbolism to hint at it, rather than just blatantly saying it.
Example: Transition from day
to night might = move from
goodness to evil
Example: A storm occurring when there is a conflict or high emotions

5. Symbolism in Literature
Objects are often used as symbols. An object is meaningful symbolically only in the context of the literature.
For instance, a chain can symbolize the coming together of two things – or a sense of imprisonment.

6. Symbolism is used to emphasize key ideas or themes.
A river can represent the flow of life…
… or its depth may represent the unknown…
… the water might be purity…
… or there could be dangers beneath the surface.

7. How can you spot a symbol?
There’s no one way, but some things to look for are:
Unusual character names –
“Beneatha” – (in A Raisin in the Sun)
Objects / creatures that have cultural
meanings (lions = strength, owls =
wisdom, etc.)

8. Symbols in The Pearl? The pearl = greed, success, destruction, hope,
The scorpion = evil, destruction of innocence
Canoe = cultural tradition

9. So, the next time you read a novel, watch out for what’s not written in the words.
P.S. What does a butterfly often symbolize?

10. Motifs
A recurring image, word, phrase, or action that tends to create unity within a literary work.
Sometimes the motif helps to create the theme in literature
A motif differs from a theme in that it can be expressed as a single word or fragmentary phrase, while a theme usually must be expressed as a complete sentence

11. Motif Examples
A recurring motif in George Orwell's "1984" is urban decay. Winston Smith's run-down home, London's crumbling buildings, and the overall disintigration of the city all support Orwell's theme of the miserable results of total government control.

12. Motif Examples Clothing Magical Objects Seasons Magical Powers
Colors Deep Sleeps
Death Wishes
Supernatural Trickery
Adversaries Illness
Consequences of Greed Animals
Beautiful Princess Foolish Hero
Wishes