Symbolism refers to the use of symbols within a story to represent ideas and themes. Symbols allow writers to convey things in a more subtle, deeper way than simply stating them explicitly. Symbolism is an important literary device that has been used throughout literature’s history and continues to be an impactful technique today. Some key reasons why symbolism remains a vital aspect of storytelling include:
Allows Complex Ideas to be Expressed Simply
One of the main benefits of symbolism is that it enables writers to communicate very complex concepts and ideas through the use of symbols which act as stand-ins or metaphors. For instance, a writer can introduce a symbol like a dove to represent peace instead of having to devote lengthy passages to try and explain the notion of peace.
This enables profound themes to be transmitted in a more concise, elegant manner. Readers are able to quickly grasp the gist behind the symbol. At the same time, symbols often carry a richness of meaning and interpretation that allows readers to continue reflecting on them long after reading.
Makes Stories More Universal and Relatable
When writers utilize symbols instead of spelling everything out literally, it makes their stories more universal. Symbols are generally more indirect and flexible than explicit descriptions. This allows readers from a wide range of cultural backgrounds and experiences to relate to the symbol in their own personal way.
For instance, a narrator gazing out of a window could symbolize the theme of longing. The specific details aren’t provided, allowing each reader to make their own connections between “gazing out a window” and times they’ve experienced longing in their lives. This makes the emotion conveyed relatable across cultures.
Encourages Deeper Thinking and Analysis
Unlike overt, direct statements, symbols require more thought and reflection on the reader’s part to fully understand. Readers must contemplate how the symbol relates to the overall theme and larger message of the literary work. This engages readers in more complex cognitive processes.
By prompting deeper analysis, symbols encourage higher-level thinking skills. Readers learn to look beyond surface meanings and make connections that aren’t immediately obvious. This leads to greater intellectual engagement and provides mental exercise for readers.
Creates More Interesting, Artistic Works
Symbols make stories more artistically interesting and aesthetically appealing than plain, literal narratives. They introduce layers of meaning that pique readers’ curiosity through intricacy and subtlety. The interpretation of symbols is often subjective, causing them to evoke a sense of mystery.
This results in works that come across as more thought-provoking and complex. The use of artful symbols demonstrates a writer’s creativity and advanced skill with language. This transforms a straightforward story into a richer literary work imbued with nuance and depth.
Allows Communication of Taboo Topics
Symbols provide a way for authors to explore controversial, taboo or risky topics indirectly through the use of representative symbols. Issues like sexuality, death, religion and politics can be examined metaphorically.
For example, in some repression eras, writers used symbols to criticize figures of authority or address other risky subjects that could not be critiqued openly due to censorship. This demonstrates the power of symbolism to convey hidden meanings and speak truth to power in subtle ways.
Strengthens Themes and Adds Layers of Meaning
The repetition and highlighting of symbols throughout a literary work reinforces the key themes a writer wishes to emphasize. Symbols essentially act as mini-motifs that continually re-surface within the narrative, reminding the reader of core ideas and messages.
Each appearance of a symbol adds additional nuances of meaning and complexities, gradually building on top of each other. In this way, symbols deepen and strengthen the thematic significance over the course of a novel, play or poem.
Enables More Complex Characterization
Characters can also be symbolic or take on symbolic meanings themselves. For instance, in The Great Gatsby, Jay Gatsby comes to represent the American Dream and all its complexities. Symbols attached to characters allow writers to develop more layered, indirect characterization.
Rather than bluntly describe a character’s traits, symbolic meanings woven around them provide a subtler, “show don’t tell” approach. This creates intriguing characters that readers can analyze on both a surface and symbolic level.
Evokes Emotion in Readers
Because symbols operate on the connotative level rather than just denotative, they can tap into readers’ emotions. Different symbols have developed traditional symbolic meanings from cultural context and collective consciousness over time.
This allows writers to trigger emotional responses by drawing on symbols with emotive connotations. For example, the symbol of a skull evokes notions of death and mortality. Using emotive symbols allows writers to create impactful moments within literature.
Examples of Symbolism
Here are some examples of common symbols and their symbolic meanings:
| Symbol | Symbolic Meaning |
|---|---|
| Light | Hope, renewal, spirituality |
| Darkness | Ignorance, evil, despair |
| Water | Cleansing, life, fertility |
| Desert | Emptiness, isolation, spiritual dryness |
| Butterfly | Transformation, rebirth, freedom |
| Rose | Love, beauty, femininity |
Using Symbolism in Creative Writing
Here are some tips for effectively applying symbolism in your own creative writing:
– Establish recurring motifs – introduce symbols early and re-reference them throughout your work. The repetition will reinforce their thematic significance.
– Make symbols do double duty – have them operate on both a literal and symbolic level. For example, a storm can represent inner turmoil but also factor into the plot.
– Be subtle – a delicate touch with symbols leaves room for mystery and reader interpretation. Overly heavy-handed or obvious symbols feel contrived.
– Draw on archetypes and universal meanings – tap into commonly recognized symbols that resonate across cultures. For example, the sun as a symbol of life.
– Use contrasting symbols – juxtapose symbols against each other to heighten their differences. For example, a cross and a pentagram have more impact when paired.
– Reveal symbols slowly – gradually disclose more facets of a symbol’s meaning to build intrigue and allow layers to emerge progressively.
– Make symbols perform an active role – allow your central symbols to drive plot points and characterization rather than just exist passively in the background.
Conclusion
In summary, symbolism is a vital literary tool that enables deeper thematic meaning, richer character development, and more multifaceted narratives. When skillfully executed, symbolism brings an intricate artistry and eloquence to storytelling, resulting in impactful works that stay with readers long after the last page. The continued resonance of symbols across generations and cultures demonstrates the power of metaphorical writing to express the human experience in a universally poignant way.
