1. What Is a Symbol?
A symbol is an ordinary object, event, person, or animal to which we have attached a special meaning.
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2. Where Do We Get Symbols? Public symbols
have been inherited, or handed down over time
are widely known
show up in art and literature
Note

3. Where Do We Get Symbols? Invented symbols
come about when writers make a character, object, or event stand for some human concern
sometimes become well known and gain the status of public symbol
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4. Symbols in Literature Writers use symbols to
suggest layers of meaning that a simple, literal statement could never convey
speak more powerfully to the reader’s emotions and imagination
make their stories rich and memorable

5. Where Do We Get Symbols? Note
Different cultures may attach different meanings to some symbols.
For example, the symbolic meanings of colors are not universal.

6. Allegory
Allegory—a story in which characters, setting, and actions stand for something beyond themselves, such as
abstract ideas
moral qualities
historical figures or events

7. Allegory Allegories can be read on two levels: literal and symbolic
are often intended to teach a moral lesson or make a comment about goodness and vice

8. Allegory
Characters and places in allegories often have names that reveal their symbolic significance:
Characters
Places
Death
Vanity
Good Deeds
Ignorance
Celestial City
Vanity Fair
Hill of Difficulty
Valley of Fear

9. Allegory Literal meaning the story that takes place on the surface
uses interesting characters and plot to hold the reader’s attention
Symbolic, or allegorical, meaning
the story that takes place beneath the surface
uses characters and events to represent ideas such as love, freedom, evil, or goodness