Symbol and Symbolism

What is symbol? Symbol is an object which suggests

more that its literal meaning. Usually a concrete object Could be inanimate Could be a character Could be an action

Recognizing Symbols Not everything is a symbol. Make sure it’s concrete. Look at the title. Look for repetition. Ask: Is it significant to the plot?

What is symbolism? In a story, a character, an action, an

object, or an animal can be symbolic.

Often these symbols stand for something abstract, like a force of nature, a condition of the world, or an idea.

Peace

Romance

What this picture symbolizes?

Let’s try this out!O Colours.

O Red– blood, passion, daring

O Black– cold , evil, dark

O White – innocence, light, purity

O Seasons.O Spring

– birth, new beginningO Summer

– maturity, knowledgeO Winter

– death, sleep, hibernation

O Weather.O Fog

– prevents clear vision or thinking, isolationO Rain

– sadness, despairO Lightning

– indicates the spark of life, power, strength

O Animal.O Fox

– slyness, clevernessO Dove

– peace, purityO Snake

– temptation, evil

O Trees.O Apple

– temptation, loss of innocenceO Oak

– strength, wisdom

O Flowers.O Rose

– youth, romance, potentialO Sunflower

- sturdinessO Chrysanthemums

– perfection

O Objects.O Chain

– symbolize the bondingO Key

– power, authority of letting in and shutting outO Mirror

– unbroken mirror can be a sign of a happy marriage: broken mirror indicate a separation or destruction.

O Setting.O Forest

– usually a place for evil or mysteryO Window of a room

– freedom