SYMBOLS
A symbol is a person, place, thing, or action that stands for itself and for
some other more complex meaning or significance.
Symbols have literal and figurative meanings:
A watch that a character wears is literally a watch.
A watch that a character wears and constantly plays with can figuratively
represent that character's obsession with time.
Some symbols can be considered conventional; most people in a given culture
will recognize what they stand for. Some examples of these kinds of symbols
are a cross, a flag, a red rose, and a skull and crossbones.
Some symbols are very common within literature; for example, stormy weather
traditionally symbolizes discord or disagreement, and the seasons are often
used to represent the stages of a person's life (spring = childhood; summer =
young adulthood; autumn = old age; winter = declining years).
Accurate interpretation of a symbol can depend on knowledge of a particular
culture. For example, in the US owls frequently symbolize wisdom. In Mexico
an owl is a symbol of a witch or wizard, while in India it is a symbol of
stupidity.
Most symbols in literature aren't conventional; authors may give clues, but
the ultimate interpretation is up to the reader.
As readers, you must be willing to consider various interpretations and how
they may each contribute to the story's meaning.
Anything that seems emphasized in a story may very well be a symbol:
Something seemingly insignificant that reappears.
Something seemingly insignificant that appears at a crucial point in the story.
Something that is focused on in the introduction or conclusion.
Something that is mentioned in the title.
Anyone, anyplace, anything can be a symbol:
A person/character.
A place.
An action.
An event.
A thing.
Online Symbolism Dictionary
This is the Online Symbolism Dictionary. It contains, in alphabetical order,
a listing of many symbols which are commonly seen in literature. Some symbols
may have more than one interpretation. Remember, it is within the context of
the literature that you can understand the true meaning of the symbol.
http://www.umich.edu/~umfandsf/symbolismproject/symbolism.html/
Other Resources