A symbol is a sign, a colour, a figure or object that is used to signify something else. Symbolism therefore is the use of symbols in stories to represent ideas, qualities or concepts.
A literary symbol (thing/event/character/quality/relationship…) is something that stands for something else other than itself. This symbol does not exist for itself but rather points to something different from itself. Symbolism involves the use of something to stand for/represent something else.
A literary symbol functions in two ways:
-as itself
-as a sign of something else
Ex: “blood” may mean just that (as itself), but it may also mean war (as a sign of something else).
Examples
The dove is a symbol of peace
The cross symbolizes Christianity
A ring on a finger can mean marriage
A red rose stands for love/romance.
White represents life and purity
Black is a symbol of evil or death
Red can symbolize blood, danger, …
A chain may mean union or imprisonment
A broken mirror may symbolize separation
Smile symbolizes happiness.
Other examples from different literary texts
a. In the novella Animal Farm by George Orwell:
- Manor Farm/Animal Farm symbolizes Russia and Soviet Union under Communist Party rule.
- The pigs symbolize the government
- The dogs symbolize security force (police and army)
- The Windmill symbolizes industrialization, technology, development and the pigs’ manipulation of other animals for their own interests.
- The Battle of the Cowshed represents Russian Civil War.
- The Battle of the Windmill represents World War II, specifically Stalingrad Battle.
b. In The Pearl by John Steinbeck:
- The pearl firstly symbolizes wealth, hope and a better future, but as the novella progresses it symbolizes evil, greed, corruption and death.
- The scorpion is a symbol of the evil that is yet to come into Kino’s life.
- Kino’s canoe symbolizes means of making a living—both pearls and food.
- The rifle that Kino said that he would buy symbolizes protection.
- Juana’s shawl symbolizes Juana’s femininity.
b. In A Man of the People written by Chinua Achebe:
- Chief Nanga symbolizes selfish persons and irresponsible leaders.
- Cadillac, gold chains: symbolize wealth
- Guns and gunpowder: symbolize power and intimidation
- Money: symbolizes wealth and influence
- Azoge’s walking stick: symbolizes small remained resources or properties of the poor people which is stolen or exploited by the rich one
- Odili’s marriage with Edna: represents victory of good against evil
- Maxwell’s death: represents the beginning of liberation
- Love between Chief Nanga and Elsie: symbolizes immoral behaviour
- The refusal of the villagers to buy things in Josiah’s shop: symbolizes unity.
- The journey to the hospital on a bicycle stands for struggle.
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