literary element series: — symbolism— literary symbols © 2013 james d. whitaker,...
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Literary Element Series: Literary Element Series:
—Symbolism—Literary Symbols
© 2013 James D. Whitaker, SophistThoughts™
by James D. Whitakerby James D. Whitaker
SymbolismSymbolism
© 2013 James D. Whitaker, SophistThoughts™
Symbolism is the art or practice of assigning abstract meaning to physical objects.
Let’s think of an everyday object such as a mirror. What exactly do we use a mirror for? Well, we use a mirror to see our reflection and make sure we are properly put together. We all know a mirror is an object, but do we know what it represents symbolically?
SymbolismSymbolism
© 2013 James D. Whitaker, SophistThoughts™
Through history certain objects have taken on more than their literal meaning.
Mirrors have become symbols of: truth, deceit, vanity, and beauty to name a few. Abstract meaning has been assigned to a mirror thereby making it a symbol.
Think of another object that people have assigned abstract meaning to.
What are Symbols?What are Symbols?Symbols are objects, characters, figures, sounds or colors used to represent abstract ideas or concepts.
A symbol is the physical representation of an intangible idea, concept, emotion, or state of mind.
© 2013 James D. Whitaker, SophistThoughts™
Symbol/Object = Shamrock
Abstract Idea/Concept
LUCK
Symbolic Meaning in 3 FormsSymbolic Meaning in 3 Forms
Positive Meaning Negative Meaning
When a symbol’s significance represents a quality that is “good” it is a symbol with positive meaning.
When a symbol’s significance represents “bad” qualities it is a symbol with negative meaning.
© 2013 James D. Whitaker, SophistThoughts™
Neutral MeaningNeutral Meaning
When a symbol’s meaning is neither When a symbol’s meaning is neither good nor bad then it is classified as good nor bad then it is classified as neutral.neutral.
Symbolic Qualities Symbolic Qualities © 2013 James D. Whitaker, SophistThoughts™
PositiveMeaning
NeutralMeaning
NegativeMeaning
Love UnityTrust
Fidelity Partnership
Marriage Infinity Eternity Legality
Domination Covetousness
ObsessionManipulation
Symbol = a wedding ring
Literary SymbolismLiterary Symbolism
Literary Symbolism is the usage and recognition of symbols in works of literature (as well as film).
Literary Symbols can be either Archetypal (Traditional) or Constructed (made by author).
© 2013 James D. Whitaker, SophistThoughts™
Archetypal (Traditional) SymbolsArchetypal (Traditional) Symbols
Archetypal or Traditional symbols are objects that have taken on profound meaning through the years.
The symbolic significance of archetypal symbols are recognized by people of different cultures across the world.
EX: Heart = Love
© 2013 James D. Whitaker, SophistThoughts™
Archetypal SymbolsArchetypal Symbols
Example 1:
RoseLove
Beauty Death
Example 2:
BookWisdomKnowled
geMemoryPower
Example 3:
DovePeace
Innocence
PurityFreedom
Example 4:
Candle Life
DeathBriefnessWarmth
© 2013 James D. Whitaker, SophistThoughts™
Constructed SymbolsConstructed Symbols
Constructed symbols are objects that take on their own special symbolic meaning according to an author or film maker.
The object in question might hold traditional symbolic meaning but it also takes on new meaning in the context of the author’s story.
© 2013 James D. Whitaker, SophistThoughts™
Constructed Symbols 1 & 2Constructed Symbols 1 & 2
© 2013 James D. Whitaker, SophistThoughts™
In The Outsiders, the sports cars symbolize wealth and the Socs. Bob drives a blue mustang and Cherry drives a red sports car.
In Freak the Mighty and especially in the movie The Mighty, the ornithopter represents freedom. In the book, Freak is flying the ornithopter when it gets caught in a tree. Freak’s mind is free and has no bounds. However, when the ornithopter is caught in the tree, it shows that Freak’s body restricts him. At the end of movie, Max is flying the ornithopter and it goes higher and higher, which shows that Max now has confidence in his ability to learn and his mind now has no bounds.
Constructed Symbols 3Constructed Symbols 3
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In Freak the Mighty King Arthur and his knights become symbols of heroism. Freak can escape the limitations of his body and with his mind create an imaginary world where his mind knows no bounds, a world based on character and morality. Freak can become a great hero in this world even if his body restricts his physical movement.
This reoccurring symbol becomes a motif, which leads to the construction of a theme: Our minds have no bounds and can help us overcome other disabilities. Freak does not allow his physical handicap to restrict his mental world and abilities. Max learns to let his mind help him overcome his inner fears of being dumb and like his father.
Symbolism and Theme 1A symbol is an object or image that
stands out in a text or film. Symbols become more easily recognizable when they are repeatedly shown or referred to. When this happens a symbol becomes a motif.
A symbol that becomes a motif (or various objects in a film or story that hold the same symbolic significance) greatly influence or even create the foundation of a theme.
© 2013 James D. Whitaker, SophistThoughts™
Constructed Symbols 3Constructed Symbols 3In Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings volumes, there is a small gold ring with an unfathomable amount of power. The One Ring symbolizes absolute power—a power utterly corrupting. It is immensely difficult for many of the characters to resist the temptation to take the Ring for themselves and use it for their own ends.
Theme – absolute power corrupts absolutely. © 2013 James D. Whitaker,
SophistThoughts™
Symbolic CharactersSymbolic Characters
Sometimes in a work of literature or film a particular character takes on the role of a symbol.
This character usually demonstrates a dominant character trait that exemplifies an abstract concept.
© 2013 James D. Whitaker, SophistThoughts™
Examples of Symbolic Examples of Symbolic CharactersCharacters
1] Harry Potter Courage & Humility
2] Peter PanEternal Childhood & Irresponsibility
3] Ebenezer Scrooge (A Christmas Carol) Selfishness & Greed
4] Darth Vader (Star Wars) Corruption & Redemption
5] Dorothy Gale (The Wizard of Oz) Belonging & Determination
6] Cinderella Helplessness & Waiting to be Rescue
© 2013 James D. Whitaker, SophistThoughts™
Places as SymbolsPlaces as Symbols
The setting—either fictional or real—of a work of literature or film can also take on symbolic meaning.
© 2013 James D. Whitaker, SophistThoughts™
1] Paris Romance Civilization Revolution
2] Antarctica Bleakness Isolation Tranquility
3] The Shire The Hobbit
Agriculture Humbleness Peace
4] Hogwarts Harry Potter Series
Scholarship Education Wizardry
Colors as SymbolsColors as SymbolsRed
LoveDeathBlood
OrangeEnthusiasm
AmbitionBelonging
YellowSunshine
HappinessCowardice
GreenRebirthMoneyNature
BlueLoyaltyCourageGloom
PurpleRoyaltyDestiny
Black Death
EvilSecrecy
WhitePurity
GoodnessHoliness
Brown Earthiness
CountryTradition
PinkYouthBeautyFemininity
SilverWealthGreedTechnology
GoldWealthGreedPowerTemptation © 2013 James D.
Whitaker, SophistThoughts™
Animals Animals as as SymbolsSymbols
© 2013 James D. Whitaker, SophistThoughts™
RuthlessWisdom, education, knowledge
Peace, love Courage, royalty, power Freedom, U.S.
Loyalty Deceptive, evilInnocence, purity
Animals Animals as as SymbolsSymbols
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Ant - industrious Bee - hardworking
Slow but sureReliable Fast but unreliable Clever, cunning
GrumpyBeauty, grace
Independance
Symbols of Symbols of LoveLove
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Heart Rose Cupid
DovesRings
Symbols of Symbols of DeathDeath
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Grim Reaper CandleRaven
Hour GlassTombstoneSkull and Crossbones
Symbols of Symbols of LuckLuck
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Four leaf clover
Lady bug
Horse Shoe
Symbols of EducationSymbols of Education
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Books Owl Cap and Tassel
GlobeBlackboard Glasses
AmericanAmerican(United States) (United States) SymbolsSymbols
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WhiteHouse –Presidency
Uncle Sam
Apple pie
American flag
Bald Eagle
Statue of LibertyFreedom & Opportunity
Buffalo
Places & Monuments as SymbolsPlaces & Monuments as Symbols
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Italy – LeaningTower of Pisa
St. Louis ArchLincoln MemorialWashington, DCMt. Rushmore
Eiffel Tower- Paris
Statue of Liberty
AustraliaSidney Opera House
Big Ben- England
AllegoryAn allegory is basically a story which can be seen
as one huge symbol or metaphor. It is a symbolic fictional narrative that conveys a secondary meaning that is not explicitly or out right stated. It is a story where the characters symbolize deeper meanings.
An allegory strikes the imagination and makes you think about a story or movie in another light or like you were looking through another lens. Fables and parables are short allegories with one definite moral.
© 2013 James D. Whitaker, SophistThoughts™
Lead-In Words & Phrases for Analyzing and Interpreting Symbolic Significance
© 2013 James D. Whitaker, SophistThoughts™
embodies
indicates typifies
symbolically represents…
symbolizes
personifies signifies
stands for represents denotes is associated with
epitomizes suggests
Sample Introductory Phrases
The color red symbolically represents love, blood, and
death.
An hourglass epitomizes the concepts of time and death.
A lion embodies courage and royalty.
The American flag signifies freedom, bravery, and sacrifice.
Ravens are birds that personify death. Hearts, Cupid, and doves all typify love.
Wolves are very social animals who symbolize kinship, community, and
loyalty.
Paris is a famous city that is associated with love and
romance.
Write a sentence using the leading phrases to show what the objects represent. Use a different leading phrase for each object.EX: A rose typifies love.1. A shark2. Books3. A white lamb4. A dove5. An owl6. Green7. Gold8. Scrooge9. Purple10. A snake
© 2013 James D. Whitaker, SophistThoughts™
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