SYMBOLISM

ENC 1102
SPRING 2015

SYMBOLS
Symbols- Create a connection between (1) an
object, scene, character, or action and (2) ideas,
values, people, or ways of life.
Symbols signify several levels of meaning.
Ex: Our fl ag symbolizes our nation
Our nation represents freedom, democracy,
independence
These ideas represent the freedom of speech, freedom
of religion, etc.
Our fl ag embodies all of the ideas, values, and
principles of our nation.

TYPES OF SYMBOLS
Cultural Symbols
Universally recognized and popular across all genres.
Examples: Water symbolizes life. Fire symbolizes anger.
Night symbolizes darkness.

Contextual Symbols
Specifi c to an individual piece of work due to
circumstances.
Also known as private symbols
Example: The open window in The Story of an Hour. It
only symbolizes freedom in this story due to the
circumstances.

HOW TO DETERMINE SYMBOLS

Judge the importance the authors gives an
object
Does it play a major role in the story?
Does it constantly reappear throughout the story?
Is there a lot of action revolving around it?
Do the characters have a connection with it?
Does it provoke emotion?
Symbols represent the bigger ideas that are
usually present in the theme.