Book Summary of Macbeth, by William Shakespeare

Main Characters:

 ● Macbeth: Scottish general

 ● Lady Macbeth: Macbeth’s wife
 ● Three Witches: Prophets who speak to Macbeth on multiple occasion
 ● Banquo: Friend of Macbeth, then enemy of Macbeth.
 ● King Duncan: King of Scotland
 ● Malcolm: Duncan’s son
 ● Macduff: Enemy of Macbeth

Scotland is at war in the opening scene, and two of Scotland’s generals, Macbeth and
Banquo, are returning from a successful battle. They are intercepted by three hags who
tell the generals about a prophesy. The witches claim that Macbeth will become Thane
of Cawdor and then King of Scotland. They also claim that though Banquo will never
become a king himself, he will father a long line of kings. Both generals are initially
skeptical of these claims, until a few moments later when Macbeth is appointed Thane of
Cawdor after the current Thane betrayed Scotland.

Macbeth begins to believe in the predictions made by the three witches, and he writes to
his wife, Lady Macbeth. Upon Macbeth’s return, his wife is waiting to greet her husband
and discuss their possible fate. Together they decide that the one sure way to attain
kingship is to kill Duncan, the current King of Scotland. At first Macbeth is unsure about
the plan, but Lady Macbeth manages to convince him otherwise. One night, Macbeth
stabs Duncan in his sleep and blames the guards outside his chambers. Macduff, a
nobleman, discovers the body.

Immediately, the effects of the murder begin to bother both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth.
Macbeth sees ghostly images, and Lady Macbeth has sleepless nights filled with night
terrors. Macbeth is named king after Duncan’s death, and he and Lady Macbeth
continue to plot. Remembering the rest of the prophecy, Macbeth plans to murder
Banquo and his son to ensure that Banquo’s line of kings never exists. Ultimately,
Banquo is killed, but Banquo’s son escapes.

After Banquo’s murder, the toll of their actions sink in deeper for Macbeth and Lady
Macbeth. Macbeth continues to see ghostly images, and Lady Macbeth continues to
regret her decisions. Paranoia sends Macbeth back to the witches for reassurance that
his kingship is secure. The witches tell him three things: he should beware Macduff, he
will be unharmed by any man born of woman, and he should only worry when Birnam
Wood comes to Dunsinane Castle. Macbeth is slightly relieved but does order that
Macduff’s castle be seized and his family be murdered.

Macduff hears of his family’s demise and begins a crusade against Macbeth. While an
army sweeps in from England to battle Macbeth, Lady Macbeth succumbs to her own
guilt and commits suicide. Macbeth is overcome with grief but prepares for battle
nevertheless. He is horrified to discover that the army approaching him is carrying
branches of trees from Birnam Wood and that the witch’s warnings are coming true. He
fights strongly until he is face to face with the vengeful Macduff who proclaims that he
was not born of woman but taken from his mother’s womb early (by C-section). Macduff
 then proceeds to murder and behead Macbeth, and Duncan’s son Malcolm is named
King of Scotland.

How to Write a Plot Summary

Matt Duczeminski
Home » Language & Lit

Writing a book summary may seem simple -- if you take that to mean simply regurgitating the events within a story.
However, it's important to not only discuss the events of a story but also demonstrate understanding of how the
events are interrelated and driven by the characters involved. When summarizing the events in a story, focus on the
main points of the narrative arc.

Summarize the Exposition

The exposition is simply the beginning of a story, in which the author "sets the stage" for the events to come. The
characters and setting are introduced, and the main conflict of the story is hinted at. For example, a summary of the
exposition of "The Great Gatsby" could read, "A young businessman, Nick Carraway, moves to Long Island in the
1920s and meets Jay Gatsby, a rich bachelor with a mysterious past." Introducing the main characters, the setting
and the plot allows the reader to understand the main context of the story.

Define the Inciting Incident

After a summary discusses the exposition, shift the focus to the inciting incident and the rising action within the story.
The inciting incident is a singular event that "kicks off" the story and leads to the major conflict within the novel. This
leads to the rising action, in which the story continues to build and eventually comes to a point where the main
character might have to take drastic action -- or might miss her opportunity to do this.

For example, in Shakespeare's "Hamlet," the Danish prince discovers that his father was murdered by his own
brother, which leads to the infamously tragic events to come. The revelations of the inciting incident and rising action
result in events that may alter the future in unchangeable ways. A comprehensive plot summary defines the inciting
incident, briefly describes it and outlines the events that lead to the highest point of action.

Discuss the Climax

All stories eventually reach a "point of no return," the climax. The climax is an event that changes the course of a
story, for better or worse.

For example, the climax of Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" happens when Romeo murders Juliet's cousin, Tybalt,
in a duel. In your plot summary, define the consequences or results of this point in the plot. Although Romeo and
Juliet's romance had been forbidden, it becomes near impossible to maintain after Tybalt's death, since Romeo is
banished to Mantua. His banishment furthers the symbolic divide between the two feuding families. The climax often
changes the characters and can set off a chain reaction of events.

Tie It Up
 The falling action of a story is the "fall out" that comes as a result of the climax -- the chain reaction. In "Romeo and
Juliet," the falling action is so dramatic -- the tragic suicides of the young lovers -- that people might think this event is
the climax; however, this famous tragic scene is the result of the events triggered in the duel of the climax. The plot's
resolution is not always as "happily ever after" as the phrase suggests. The resolution show how characters respond
to the events that transpired earlier in the narrative arc.

For example, as the curtains close at the end of "Romeo and Juliet," the two families vow to end their feud. Although
this does not bring their children back to life, it suggests a social change brought about by tragic loss. In your plot
summary, explain how characters respond to the events of the story -- and what, if any, lessons they may have taken
away from the experiences.

Cite this Article

References
 Ohio University: Analyzing a Story's Plot: Freytag's Pyramid
 Plot, Theme, the Narrative Arc, and Narrative Patterns

About the Author

Matt Duczeminski is a before- and after-school tutor and supervisor for the CLASP program in the Cheltenham
School District. A graduate of SUNY New Paltz's Master of Science in education (Literacy, B-6), Duczeminski has

How to Write a Character Analysis

Co-authored by Jamie Korsmo
Explore this ArticleGetting StartedWriting the Character AnalysisUsing Evidence in Your
WritingArticle SummaryQuestions & AnswersRelated ArticlesReferences
Learning how to write a character analysis requires a thorough reading of the literary
work with attention to what the author reveals about the character through dialogue,
narrative, and plot. A literary analyst writes about the role each character plays in the
work. The protagonist is the most important character, while the character who plays the
villain in the conflict with the main character is called the antagonist. Great writers
create characters with many facets, so character analyses should focus on these
complexities. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you write your own character
analysis.
Part 1
Getting Started
1.
 1
Choose your character. For a character analysis assignment in school, your character
may be assigned to you. But if you get to choose, make sure you only consider
characters who play a dynamic role in the story. Those characters who appear flat (one
dimensional - someone who is only good or only bad and has no complex motivations to
consider) are not good choices for a character analysis.[1]
 For example, if you are reading Mark Twain's classic Huckleberry Finn, you might
consider choosing Huck or the runaway slave, Jim, because they are dynamic
characters who show a wide range of emotion, who often act in unpredictable ways, and
who move the plot forward with their actions.
 It might be less effective to choose the duke or the king, the tricksters Huck and Jim
meet in Arkansas, because they have fairly minor roles in the story, they don't show a
wide range of emotions, and, more than anything, they're simply stockcharacters (the
story needs a humorous detour and a way for Jim and Huck to be separated, so that
 Huck can have his infamous All right, then, I'll go to hell!moment, and the duke and the
king fulfill that role).
2.

2
Read the story with your character in mind. Even if you've read the story before, you
need to read it again because you'll notice new things now that you have a specific task
in mind. Notice every place that your character appears and consider the following:
 How does the author describe them?
 For the Huck Finn example, you might think about how Huck is described as a
backwoods boy, but he clearly wrestles with larger issues that have complex social
implications - like slavery and religion.
 What kinds of relationships does your character have with other characters?
  Think about how Huck relates to runaway slave Jim, both in the beginning of the novel
and at the end. Think about Huck's relationship with his drunk, abusive father and how it
shaped his identity.
 How do the actions of your character move the plot forward?
 Huck is the main character, so obviously his actions are important. But what,
specifically, is special about the way Huck acts? How does he make different decisions
than someone else in the same situation might? You could talk about how Huck decides
to rescue Jim from the people who intend to return him to his owner because he
decides that slavery is wrong, even though this idea contradicts everything society has
taught him.
 What struggles does your character encounter?
 Think about how Huck grows and learns throughout the story. In the beginning, he is
more likely to get caught up in schemes (like faking his own death); but later on, he
avoids the trickery he observes (like when he tries to ditch the deceptive duke and king).
3.
 3
Take notes. As you read, take notes on all important elements that add to the depth of
the main character as you read the work for a second time. Make notes in the margins
and underline important passages.
 You can also keep a notebook handy while you're reading to help you keep track of your
thoughts about the character as you read.
4.

4
Choose a main idea. Gather all of your notes about the character and try to think of the
main idea relating to them. This will be your thesis statement for your character
analysis. Think about their actions, motivations, and the outcome of their story line.
Maybe your thesis idea will be something about how the character embodies the
struggles of growing up as a young boy, or about the inherent good in people. Maybe
 your character shows readers that even people who make horrible mistakes are
capable and deserving of redemption.
 For the Huck Finn example, you might choose something about the hypocrisy of
civilized society since, in essence, the novel is about a boy who was brought up to
support enslaving blacks, but decides, through his experiences with Jim on the river, to
value Jim as a person and a friend rather than just as a slave. Similarly, Huck's own
father captures and "enslaves" Huck, a situation that Huck eventually escapes and
mirrors Jim's own quest for freedom. Society views Huck's escape as moral and just,
but Jim's escape is a terrible crime to the townspeople. In this contradiction lies a major
crux of the story.
5.

5
Make an outline. Once you have decided on your main idea, make a brief outline of all
of your supporting material. Make note of each place in the text where your character
 displays the characteristic you've chosen for your thesis. Include complicating evidence
that allows the character to have more depth.[2]
 An outline will help keep your thoughts organized and maintain an effective flow as you
move through the analysis.
Part 2
Writing the Character Analysis
1.

1
Write your introduction. Keeping your thesis idea in mind, prepare an introductory
paragraph about the character you have chosen and the role that he or she plays in the
literary work.
 Your introduction should provide the topic of your analysis, enough background
information to inform and intrigue your reader, and your thesis idea/claim.
2.
 2
Describe the physical appearance of the character. Describe what your character
looks like and explain what their appearance reveals about them as a person. Make
sure to quote or paraphrase directly from the work.
 Think about Huck's ragged clothes and what that says about his character. Discuss how
Huck dresses up like a little girl to find out the news in town and how this altered
appearance influences your analysis of Huck.
3.
 3
Discuss your character's background. If provided, include details about the personal
history of the character (some of these details may have to be inferred). People's
histories inevitably influence their personality and personal development, so it is
important to discuss your character's history if you can. Where/when was the character
born and raised? What kind of education does the character have? How does the
character's past experience influence what he or she does or says?
 Discuss Huck's relationship with his father and with the Widow Douglas and Miss
Watson, who take him in. How do these characters influence Huck's development? The
contrast between Huck's alcoholic father and the conservative ladies who care for Huck
later is an interesting continuum of social behavior to analyze and consider where
Huck's own beliefs/actions fall on that continuum.
4.
 4
Discuss the character's language use. Analyze the language that the character uses
throughout the work. Does the character use the same language throughout or does his
or her choice of language change from the introduction to the conclusion?
 Huck has an admittedly vulgar attitude for a little boy and often does not speak in a way
that the Widow Douglas approves of. He does try hard to obey her and act appropriately
in church, but he often missteps and announces himself, through his actions and words,
as a person who is far less civilized than he pretends to be, or than the Widow would
like him to be.
5.
 5
Write about the personality of the character. Does the character act on emotions or
reason? What values does the character exhibit through words or actions? Does the
character have goals or ambitions? Be specific and make sure to quote or paraphrase
from the work.
 Huck Finn tries to abide by the rules of society, but at the end of the day he acts based
on emotions. He decides to rescue Jim from being returned to his master, even though
it is against the law, because he believes that Jim does not deserve to be treated like a
slave. Huck decides this on his own, in direct opposition to the values his society has
taught him.
6.
 6
Analyze the character's relationships with others. Think about how your character
interacts with others in the story. Does the character lead or follow others in the story?
Does the character have close friends and family? Use examples from the text along
with your analysis.
7.
 7
Describe how the character changes or grows throughout the plot of the
story.Most major characters will experience conflict throughout the course of a
story.[3]Some conflict is external (brought about by forces outside of his or her control, or
by their environment and the people around them), while other conflict is internal
(personal struggles the character deals with about their own feelings or actions). [4] Is the
character better or worse at the conclusion? Memorable characters usually change or
grow in a literary work of merit.
 Huck's external conflict relies on all of the events that take place on his journey down
the river - the physical struggle of the trip, his mishaps along the way, getting caught up
in various scandals and schemes, etc. His internal conflict reaches its climax when
Huck decides to help Jim attain freedom from slavery. This is a crucial moment in the
story where Huck follows his heart instead of his social conscience.
8.
 8
Collect supporting material or evidence for the analysis. Make sure you provide
specific examples from the text that support what you are saying about the
character.[5] Include quotations when applicable to back up what you're saying. [6] If the
author describes the character as sloppy, you should provide specific details to show
this character trait, quoting or paraphrasing directly from the work.
Part 3
Using Evidence in Your Writing
1.
 1
Support your writing with textual evidence. This means that you should incorporate
direct quotations from the text you're writing about to support the points that you are
making with your writing.
 Using quotes from the text will increase your credibility as an author and will support
your ideas more effectively.
2.
 2
Use the PIE method. This means that you will make a Point, Illustrate it (with a
quotation from the text), and Explain how the quote makes your point. [7]
 For example, you might say the following: Huck Finn garners a significant new identity
from being a raftsman. He insists, "It amounted to something being a raftsman on such
a craft as that." This shows the freedom and pride he associates with his raft.
3.
 3
Anchor the quote within your own words. A quotation should never stand alone as
its own sentence in an academic paper. Instead, you should use your own words to
"anchor" the quote into your sentence either before or after the quotation.
 Incorrect: "It amounted to something being a raftsman on such a craft as that."
 Correct: He insists that "It amounted to something being a raftsman on such a craft as
that."
 Correct: "It amounted to something being a raftsman on such a craft as that," Huck
insists.
4.
 4
Do not over-quote. Your words should still make up approximately 90% of your
analysis, with the other 10% being direct quotation. Using too many quotes seems lazy
and ineffective, and will probably earn you a poor grade from your professor.

Community Q&A
 Question
How do I write a character analysis if the character grows over time?

wikiHow Contributor
Community Answer

Show HOW the character grows. Describe how he was before, what happened to make
him change, and what he's like now.
Not Helpful 17Helpful 54
 Question
Can I use first person?

Jonathan Jaramillo
Community Answer

No. Since you are talking about someone who is not you, first person is not the right
way to go.
Not Helpful 11Helpful 27

 Question
How do I write a character analysis in middle school?

wikiHow Contributor
Community Answer

To write a character analysis, you need to write an essay outlining the following: the
character's name, personal information, hobbies/interests, personality, role in the book,
relationships with other characters, major conflicts, and overall change throughout the
course of the story.
Not Helpful 24Helpful 49

 Question
Should I assume that the person reading my essay has already read the
book/text? Or should I also explain a bit of the plot/conflict as if they haven't read
the book/text?

wikiHow Contributor
Community Answer

For a character analysis, you can generally assume that your reader has read the text.
You can do a bit of plot exposition in your supporting statements and the context of the
character's actions, but you do not have to set up the plot.
Not Helpful 12Helpful 27

Understanding Themes

A book's theme is the main idea that flows through the narrative and connects the
components of the story together. A work of fiction may have one theme or many, and
they aren't always easy to pinpoint right away; it's not always obvious and direct. In
many stories, the theme develops over time, and it isn't until you're well into reading the
novel or play that you fully understand the underlying theme or themes.

Themes can be broad or they can hyperfocus on a specific notion. For example, a
romance novel may have the very obvious, but very general theme of love, but the
storyline may also address issues of society or family. Many stories have a major theme,
and several minor themes that help develop the major theme.

The Differences Between Theme, Plot and Moral

A book's theme is not the same as its plot or its moral lesson, but these elements are
related all necessary in building the larger story. The plot of a novel is the action that
takes place within the course of the narrative. The moral is the lesson that the reader is
supposed to learn from the plot's conclusion. Both reflect the larger theme and work to
present what that theme is to the reader.

A story's theme isn't typically stated outright. Often it is suggested by a thinly veiled
lesson or details contained within the plot. In the nursery tale "The Three Little Pigs,"
the narrative revolves around three pigs and a wolf's pursuit of them. The wolf destroys
their first two homes, shoddily built of straw and twigs. But the third home,
painstakingly built of brick, protects the pigs and the wolf is defeated. The pigs (and the
reader) learn that only hard work and preparation will lead to success. Thus, you can say
that the theme is about making smart choices.

If you find yourself struggling to identify the theme of what you're reading, there's a
simple trick you can use. When you finish reading a book, ask yourself to sum up the
book in a single word. For example, you could say preparation best symbolizes "The
Three Little Pigs." Next, use that word as the foundation for a complete thought such as,
"Making smart choices requires planning and preparation," which could be interpreted
as the moral of the story.

Symbolism and Theme

As with any art form, the theme of a novel or short story may not necessarily be clear.
Sometimes, writers will use a character or object as a symbol or motif that hints at larger
theme or themes.

Consider the novel "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn," which recounts the story of an
immigrant family living in New York City in the early 20th century. The tree growing up
through the sidewalk in front of their apartment is more than just part of the
neighborhood background. The tree is a feature of both the plot and the theme. It
thrives in spite of its harsh surroundings, much like the main character Francine as she
comes of age.

Even years later, when the tree has been chopped down, a small green shoot remains.
The tree serves as a stand-in for Francine's immigrant community and the theme of
resilience in the face of adversity and the pursuit of the American dream.

Examples of Themes in Literature

There are several themes that are reoccuring in literature, many of which we can usually
pick up quickly. But, some are a little harder to figure out. Consider these popular
general themes in literature to see if any of them might be appearing the what you're
reading right now, and see if you can use these to determine more specific themes.

 Family
 Friendship
 Love
 Overcoming hardships
 Coming of age
 Death
 Struggling with inner demons
 Good vs. Evil

Your Book Report

Once you've determined what the main theme of the story is, you're almost ready
to write your book report. But before you do, you may need to consider what
components of the stood out the most to you. You may need reread the text to find
examples of what the theme of the book is. Be concise; you don't need to repeat every
detail of the plot or use multi-sentence quotes from a character in the novel, but key
examples can be useful. Unless you're writing an extensive analysis, a few short
sentences should be all you need to provide an example of a book's theme.

Pro Tip: As you read, use sticky notes to flag significant passages that you think may
point to the theme, and consider all of them together once you've finished.

Key Terms

 Theme: The main idea that connects all elements of the narrative.
 Plot: The action that takes place over the course of the narrative.
 Moral: A lesson that the reader is intended to learn from the plot's conclusion.
 Symbolism: The use of a particular object or image to represent a larger idea.

Article edited by Stacy Jagodowski


 How to Write an Attention-Grabbing Introduction for Your Book Report


 The Definition and Example of Theme and How Is it Different From Plot


 Common and Critical Themes in Literature

How to Identify the Theme in a Work of Literature

 

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What is Theme
October 24, 2010 by Fiction Editor Beth Hill
last modified April 11, 2012

What is theme?

When students of literature are asked to identify elements of a novel or short

story, they’re pressed to pinpoint what the story is about.

They could answer with plot details, something about the actions of the
characters.

However, they could also go for a behind-the-plot meaning, something less

about events and more about significance, perhaps even
a conclusion they’ve drawn from the book.

I’m talking about theme.

Plot is the events of story; theme is the meaning behind or revealed by story.

Theme is sometimes defined as the moral of a story, though theme

doesn’t have to be a moral. Morals that double as theme include
these: cheaters never win, honesty wins the day, and good guys finish first.

Of course, a story may just as easily prove that cheaters often win, liars quite
often succeed, and bad guys beat out the good guys.

But a story’s theme may not come out as a moral at all.

Themes are often a declaration of the human condition. Or a truth

that explains human behavior.

Consider an author whose books seem similar. You may even tire of them,
saying they’re all the same. What do you mean by that?
Maybe each is about mothers and daughters. Maybe the author pursues the
same theme in every book—the relationship between mothers and daughters is
complex.

There’s no moral there. But there is a theme to the body of work and to each
story in that author’s list of books. The theme is a recognizable one that speaks
to the human condition.

Themes may deal with a specific group—pre-school boys are fearless;

immigrants are both clannish and brave; pirates live out the maxim, I’m looking
out for number one.

Themes may deal with principles and abstractions rather than people—
love means sacrifice, hope is painful, death stalks each of us from the moment
of birth.

————————

Themes don’t have to be true in the real world—they are true in terms of
the story they come from. That is, you don’t have to believe the theme is true
in your daily life; you may actually hold the opposite viewpoint. But if the story
has been written such that the theme is obvious to readers, the theme is true in
terms of the people and events in the story.

Theme is often stated in absolutes: someone/something is/does something.

Themes tend to be universal. The theme love conquers all can work for
peasants in 1350 Europe, wealthy owners of a 1880 New York townhouse,
colonists on Nebulus 5 in 3535.

Themes tend to be serious, even in humorous works. When you describe the
way people behave or how big concepts (such as love) work, you’re getting into
people’s beliefs and strongly held opinions. You might hear an argument from a
reader who disagrees. You might hear from legions of fans who agree. You
might start a war between factions from both sides. (Which could only help
sales and bring attention to your writing.)

————————
Writers can decide upon theme before writing: this story will be about the
hypocrisy of love, the blindness of love, the pain of love. Then the writer crafts
words and scenes and character and events to point to his theme, love stinks.

One problem with deciding theme before writing a story is that the
book can come out very, very preachy. With everything pointing to the foregone
conclusion, there’s no opportunity for characters who disagree or situations that
might lead to a different conclusion. Stories written with a theme clearly in mind
are often heavy handed. (Not always, of course. But especially true of new
writers with a cause to promote.)

Writers can write with no theme in mind, waiting until the first or second
draft is complete before determining where the story went, what theme has
emerged. Then, the writer can tweak—with a light hand—phrases and scenes to
highlight the theme.

Writers can also completely ignore theme, allowing readers to draw their
own conclusions. And readers will. They will usually finish a book and have
strong thoughts or feelings about it. Theme is something they’ll take away
without intending to. When someone asks what the story was about, they may
tell the plot. Or, they may report the theme—it was about love conquering in
the face of hatred. It was about fear being stronger than common sense. It was
about how strangers can work together to overcome a common enemy.

Stories that are written well always have a theme. Maybe several. Well-written
books are tied with threads and common elements that speak to theme, that
allow readers to draw conclusions about life.

Poorly written books, with unrelated plot threads, characters, and events, may
not have a theme. The story elements may be so far apart that the reader can
draw no conclusion about the tale. The story may lack unifying elements and
cohesion. There may be no theme. A story that’s not about anything is probably
not one readers will remember. It’s probably not one writers want to write.

A good theme can be a unifier. An ill-formed theme can make a book

incomplete and unsatisfying.
Books may produce several themes. One reader, going through a divorce,
may read one theme from a story. Another reader, one focusing on the freedom
of being away from home for the first time, may read a different theme.

If you’re asked about theme for a school project, be ready to defend your
choice for theme. Look for character dialogue or thoughts that lend
themselves to theme—what conclusion does the character make? Look also
to characters’ actions—characters act on what they believe. What they
believe is an indicator of theme. Study the change in a character, how he’s
grown throughout the story. What made him change? What conclusions has he
drawn about life? Character growth and insight also point to theme.

Themes can be old, new, reworked, and restated. They can be softly spoken or
boldly shouted. Themes from one book to the next—even for the same author—
can be contradictory. Remember, a theme is true for the book it comes from,
not necessarily for life or for other works of fiction.

A writer doesn’t have to believe a theme he writes into a story.

————————

Familiar themes—

Greed is bad Life is fragile

Hope deferred hurts Children are innocent

Quitters never win People will let you down

Evil men can’t change Everyone lies

There’s no such thing as love

You could, of course, play with these—

Greed is healthy Living is for the tough

Hope is an illusion Children are born in sin

Quitters live longer People are good at heart

Reformed men know how to toe the line

People want to tell the truth

Love touches everyone at least once

Variations on a single theme—

Everyone lies Lies are painful

The truth is painful Liars want to be caught

Lying is healthy Lying is unhealthy

Lying breaks up families Lying bonds people

A lie is in the eyes The truth hurts

The truth is always best

The truth isn’t always best

A lie will always be exposed

People want to tell the truth

————————

Theme is a natural product of good storytelling. It doesn’t have to be planned,

but it can be enhanced. Overemphasized, it makes for bad story. Played just
right, with the right emphasis by character and situation and revelation and
word choice, theme becomes another satisfying element in good fiction. An
element that will remain with the reader far longer than plot or character quirks,
setting or dialogue.
Examples of Symbolism in
Literature
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Symbolism is often used in literature to paint colorful scenes. It affords the writer artistic
expression that supersedes bland writing. Beyond that, symbolism also allows readers to
visualize complex or difficult subjects. And, if nothing else, it presents readers at the local book
club with an opportunity to pick apart various lines of text, searching for hidden meaning.
Symbolism can be an object, person, situation, event or action that has a deeper meaning in the
overall context beyond a surface understanding. When used properly, it can enhance a piece of
writing and provide further insight to the reader. Together, let's enjoy some examples of
symbolism in literature.

Symbolism in Novels and Plays

No doubt, you've come across symbolism in some of your favorite books. Below, we'll discuss
some of the classics, like Wuthering Heights, and move onto more contemporary works of art,
including the Harry Potter series.

Wuthering Heights by In Emily Brontë

Emily Brontë went for symbolism right in the title of her novel. The "wuthering heights" are
symbolic of the wild nature of the people involved in the story. It seems like, if Brontë could
express herself with a symbol over the literal, she would've done so. Below, the foliage in the
woods is symbolic of the ever-changing nature of love. And the rocks below the surface
represent the necessary pain that comes from loving someone.
My love for Linton is like the foliage in the woods. Time will change it; I'm well aware, as winter
changes the trees. My love for Heathcliff resembles the eternal rocks beneath a source of little
visible delight, but necessary.

Aurora Leigh by Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Aurora Leigh is an epic novel by Elizabeth Barrett Browning. She explores many ideals
throughout the course of her work but it would seem women were a focal point for her. Instead
of saying, "Women are undervalued," she compares them to a pair of slippers one mindlessly
slips into at night.
The works of women are symbolical.
We sew, sew, prick our fingers, dull our sight,
Producing what? A pair of slippers, sir,
To put on when you're weary

Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling

J.K. Rowling is a bit like Shakespeare. Each writer mastered numerous rhetorical devices, all in
one work of art. Entire theses have been written about Rowling's use of symbolism in her Harry
Potter series. Let's take a look at some of the more poignant examples:
 Harry's scar is symbolic of his bravery, like a badge of honor. After all, he survives major
battle after major battle. But, it's multi-faceted because one could argue it also stands for
emotional sensitivity, since it hurts when someone directs hate towards him.
 Albus Dumbledore's name is a symbol of his personality. Dumbledore means bumblebee in
Old English and he liked to hum. Albus means "white" which may symbolize a white wizard
or good wizard.
 The Golden Snitch symbolizes the spiritual enlightenment every "seeker" aims for.
 Knockturn Alley is a symbol for darkness and evil. Doesn't the name alone sound like
nocturnal? To no surprise, the Dark Arts are practiced in this alley at night.

As You Like It by William Shakespeare

As You Like It was one of Shakespeare's many plays. He takes the big picture - the world - and
symbolizes it on a smaller scale - the stage. Meanwhile, the "players" are a symbol for the
people of the world. We're all a part of the stage and we each have our part.
All the world's a stage,
And all the men and women merely players;
they have their exits and their entrances;
And one man in his time plays many parts.

Other Literary Examples of Symbolism

Literature is ripe with symbolic elements. Let's glance through a few more examples of
symbolism. Perhaps you'll find the desire to pick up one of these books on your next trip to the
library!
 In Elie Wiesel's novel Night, night is used throughout the book to symbolize death,
darkness, and loss of faith.
 In Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter, the letter "A" symbolizes adultery.
 In Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun, a plant on the windowsill symbolizes need and
hope. Like a plant needs the sun to grow, we have needs too.
 In Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, the Grinch steals the symbols of Christmas,
like trees, presents and food, to find out in the end, Christmas was more than those
material things.
 In Hansel and Gretel by Engelbert Humperdinck, bread symbolizes comfort and bread
crumbs symbolize the way home.

Symbolism in Poems
Without question, poetry is a written form of art. Beautiful images are painted in the space of a
few stanzas. It won't surprise you to see that poets are huge fans of symbolism. It allows them
to take in-depth concepts and paint them in interesting terms that will, hopefully, spark the
reader's imagination.

"The Raven" by Edgar Allan Poe

What type of thoughts does a black raven conjure up for you? We've been conditioned to think
of them as the carriers of bad omens. Perhaps it all began with Edgar Allan Poe. Nevertheless,
he uses a black bird to stand for death and loss in what is perhaps his most famous poem of
them all.
Open here I flung the shutter, when, with many a flirt and flutter,
In there stepped a stately Raven of the saintly days of yore;
Not the least obeisance made he; not a minute stopped or stayed he;
But, with mien of lord or lady, perched above my chamber door-
Perched upon a bust of Pallas just above my chamber door-
Perched, and sat, and nothing more
[...]
But the Raven, sitting lonely on the placid bust, spoke only
That one word, as if his soul in that one word he did outpour.
Nothing farther then he uttered-not a feather then he fluttered-
Till I scarcely more than muttered "Other friends have flown before-

"She Dwelt Among Untrodden Ways" by William Wordsworth

William Wordsworth sure knew how to make a lady feel special. In the lines below, he uses
"springs of Dove," "a violet by a mossy stone," and a star "shining in the sky" as symbols for a
quiet, unknown woman whom he loved very much.
She dwelt among the untrodden ways
Beside the springs of Dove,
A Maid whom there were none to praise
And very few to love:
A violet by a mossy stone
Half hidden from the eye!
-Fair as a star, when only one
Is shining in the sky.
She lived unknown, and few could know
When Lucy ceased to be;
But she is in her grave, and, oh,
The difference to me!

"The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" by Samuel Taylor Coleridge

In the poem below, Samuel Taylor Coleridge talks about an albatross, or large bird, that's about
to be hung around the neck of the protagonist. However, it's not merely some strange form of
punishment. And the bird's not just a bird. Rather, it's a symbol of the terrible sin he committed
when he killed the bird. It's representative of the burden he must bear as a result.
Ah ! well a-day ! what evil looks
Had I from old and young !
Instead of the cross, the Albatross
About my neck was hung.

"He Wishes For the Cloths of Heaven" by W.B. Yeats

In this poem, William Butler Yeats is talking about "the heavens." He wishes he could grant the
heavens' embroidered cloths to his beloved. In the end, however, he says he is too poor to
provide her with these things.

However, even if Yeats had all the money in the world, he still couldn't afford to buy the
heavens. In this poem, his poverty is taken as a symbol of his (self-perceived) lack of talent,
spirit, or imagination.
Had I the heavens' embroidered clothes,
Enwrought with golden and silver light,
The blue and the dim and the dark cloths
Of night and light and the half light,
I would spread the cloths under your feet:
But I, being poor, have only my dreams;
I have spread my dreams under your feet;
Tread softly because you tread on my dreams.