Incorporating literary devices into writing is the mark of a thoughtful and talented writer. One of the most important devices is symbolism. Symbolism ties together the plot, the themes, and the characters and adds depth to a story or poem. Some authors, such as James Baldwin or William Blake, use biblical symbolism in order to convey a theme or message more easily. William Blake uses Biblical symbolism in “Songs of Innocence and Experience” to contrast the innocent world of childhood against an adult world of dishonesty and restraint.
In 1984, Orwell makes excellent use of symbolism to further enhance the novel's themes. Orwell wrote 1984 as a political message to warn future generations about the dangers of totalitarian societies. He urgently relays this message through various themes, and in turn utilizes powerful symbols to give these themes further significance. Psychological and physical control is a theme that Orwell religiously includes throughout the novel. Symbols such as doublethink and the telescreens provide a direct connection to this theme. Another…
‘The Portable Phonograph’ tells the tale of four men in a post apocalyptic world who gather once a week to bask in the glory of the arts. This short story by Walter Van Tilburg Clark holds hidden meanings and metaphors underneath the descriptive language and various literary techniques. The theme explores the idea that it is human nature to revert to primitive or basic instincts in a time of great crisis. The writer clarifies this theme through the use of…
Introduction William Blake, a visionary poet of the Romantic era, has left an indelible mark on literature with his profound and symbolic poetry. His works are not just a collection of verses; they are a journey into the intricate realms of human experience, laden with rich symbolism. In this exploration, we delve into the nuanced symbolism present in Blake's poetry, uncovering layers of meaning that add depth to his profound verses. Classification of Blake's Symbols Blake's symbolic universe is vast…
Symbolism
Save Time On Research
and
Writing
Hire a Pro to Write You a 100% Plagiarism-Free Paper.
Introduction J.D. Salinger's novel, The Catcher in the Rye, offers a profound exploration of the protagonist Holden Caulfield's complex character. One intriguing aspect is Holden's recurring fixation on the ducks in Central Park, symbolizing his childlike curiosity and genuine nature beneath the layers of cynicism. This essay delves into the symbolic significance of the ducks, examining how they represent Holden's resistance to change, his yearning for innocence, and the delicate balance between childhood and adulthood. The Ducks as Symbols of…
Thomas Hardy, a master of poetic expression, artfully conveys his complex emotions about love in his poem "Neutral Tones" through vivid imagery drawn from the natural world. By utilizing neutral colors and characteristics of nature, Hardy paints a melancholic portrait of the end of an affair between the poet and his former lover. This essay will explore how Hardy's use of rich imagery captures the bittersweet essence of love, emphasizing the desolation and disillusionment that often accompany its demise. A…
Literature frequently employs symbolism to imbue meaning beyond the ordinary. A symbol, in the realm of literature, is a figure of speech where an object, person, or situation represents something beyond its literal definition. Most fiction authors harness the power of symbolism as a central rhetorical device to enhance the significance of their narratives. Writers like Cisneros, O'Connor, and Poe employ symbolism extensively to allude to various objects and convey diverse concepts. Through various forms of symbolism, they vividly illustrate…
Introduction: A.“Everyday Use” is a poignant narrative that describes the relationship between family members through creative symbolism and fine characterization. B. Through symbolism and characterization, Walker teaches a moral lesson about heritage, identity, and the role of the two in the lives of the characters and audience. C. In order to understand the complicated message that Walker is submitting through this story, it is important to look at the characters and their relationships with the symbolic items independently. I. Mama…
A memorial is a materialistic piece that is meant to make people keep in mind and have a psychological relationship with the event that took location, or individual that accomplished an objective or made an excellent sacrifice that made an effect. What deems something or someone worthy of having a monument created? What should be considered when planning and constructing the monument? There are a number of elements that must be taking into account when preparing to erect a monument;…
Introduction Spike Lee's "Do the Right Thing" is a seminal film that delves into the complex layers of racial tension, violence, and police brutality. Set against the backdrop of a diverse Brooklyn neighborhood, the film weaves a narrative that reflects the contrasting ideologies of Malcolm X and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., challenging the audience to confront uncomfortable truths about society. The film’s exploration of racial intolerance is particularly poignant, offering a multifaceted view of how oppressed and marginalized communities…
n the Swimmer the character (Neddy) swims through numerous swimming pools on a journey he believes would "increase the size of and celebrate its charm" (251 ). These pools and the journey he swims represent the death of time and the degeneration of his health. He began his journey sensation as though he was young and strong, "he appeared to have the specific slenderness of youth" (250 ). He appears to be very content with his life and his friendships.…
SwimmingSymbolism
Save Time On Research
and
Writing
Hire a Pro to Write You a 100% Plagiarism-Free Paper.
From a quick check out James Joyce's "Araby," one might think that it is a basic story about a young boy and his very first infatuation with a female. Upon a closer inspection, the religious symbolism becomes clearer as Joyce uses symbols throughout the story to contemplate his own experiences and his own view of the Irish Church. As told in the text's prologue, Joyce saw Ireland to be in a sort of spiritual paralysis during his early years, and…
In "A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings," I intend to explore how Gabriel Marquez applies symbolism and utilizes magical realism to confront religious beliefs along with an allegory style of writing to reflect his views on religion and society. This story may not be meant by Marquez to be a direct threat to religion, but it does reflect the challenges of the world against things related to religion. So firstly I need to define allegory and how Marquez uses…
Noli Me Tangere, authored by the national hero of the Philippines, Jose Rizal, is a literary masterpiece that delves into the complexities of Filipino society during the Spanish colonial era. Through its vivid characters, the novel explores the various facets of society, shedding light on the issues of oppression, inequality, and the quest for reform. Juan Crisóstomo Ibarra y Magsalin - The Protagonist Juan Crisóstomo Ibarra y Magsalin, commonly known as Ibarra or Crisóstomo, stands as the novel's protagonist. The…
Gothic literature possesses a distinctive allure, marked by a unique formula that encompasses various elements, with the setting playing a crucial role. In "The Yellow Wallpaper" by Charlotte Perkins Gilman, the Gothic style is expertly woven into the narrative, particularly through the symbolism embedded in its setting. This essay delves into the Gothic aspects of the story, emphasizing the role of the setting and its symbolic significance.The Haunting Colonial Mansion: A Conventional Gothic SettingFrom the opening pages of the story,…
The Catcher in the Rye, a novel written by J. D. Salinger, is set around the 1950s. It is narrated by Holden Caulfield, and follows his three-day journey in New York after flunking out of Pencey Prep. The story centers around Holden, a 17 year-old protagonist, and the transition from innocent childhood into phony adulthood. Considered a coming-of-age novel, it deals with complex issues of identity, belonging, death, and alienation. Salinger uses symbolism in the text to convey these themes…
Sarah Orne Jewett's short story, "A White Heron," unfolds a narrative that delves into the symbolic layers, exploring the decision-making process of its main character, Sylvia. While numerous critics have analyzed this narrative, Victoria Freivogel's essay challenges prevailing views by proposing that the symbols in "A White Heron" convey Christian symbolism, rather than representing Sylvia's burgeoning sexuality, as argued by some critics. This essay aims to delve into the nuanced layers of symbolism within the story, emphasizing the theme of…
Most people have dreams of becoming astronauts, doctors or painters but Hailsham students grow up knowing that they won’t get to live a normal life. They will donate organs until they die. Kazuo Ishiguro’s novel Never Let Me Go is about a dystopian society in Great Britain. It breeds cloned children for organ donations. Ishiguro uses a unique style of storytelling in which the protagonist Kathy narrates her memories of childhood at Hailsham to Adulthood and becoming a “carer”. While…
In this eloquently crafted piece, Mark Twain invites readers to explore the diverse perspectives one can hold about the same subject, using the majestic Mississippi River as his canvas. Twain skillfully presents the river as a symbol of nature's multifaceted and unpredictable essence. The narrative unfolds, revealing contrasting views – one romantic and awe-inspired, the other pragmatic and informational. Each perspective paints a distinct portrait of the river, raising profound questions about how our individual lenses shape the way we…
“The Boat” written by Alistair MacLeod tells a story about a father’s life and how he lived as a fisherman. The narrator is an adult man who looks back on his life of when his father was still living because even though he got a university education, he now wants the life his father had. He expresses how his father always wanted him to become something bigger and better then what he became. The author, Alistair MacLeod, used many different writing techniques within this short story. The symbolism of “The Boat” expresses inevitability through the little hobbies…
Symbolism and Realism of Baudelaire, Keats and Yeats
Traditional Christmas Symbolism
The Scaffold Symbolism In The Scarlet Letter English Literature Essay
The Dual, Blurred Symbolism of The Scarlet Letter
Boat: Symbolism in Never Let Me Go
Symbolism in A Doll’s House
Symbolism in the house of bernada Alba
Symbolism of The Boat by Alistar MacLeod
Symbolism in “The Lesson” by Toni Cade Bambara
Noli Me Tangere Cover Symbolism
Symbolism and Metaphors of A Midsummer Night’s Dream
The Century Quilt Analysis
Orwell’s use of symbolism in “1984”
Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde Symbolism
The Importance of Symbolism in “Hills Like White Elephants”
Symbolism in Purple Hibiscus
Undying Message
Symbolism in the Fall of the House of Usher
Hardy’s use of symbolism and characters in Tess of the D’urbervilles
Symbolism In English literature–“Gravity”
The Hunger Games Symbolism
The Use of Symbolism within Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye
The Portable Phonograph – Paradox, Symbolism, and Irony
Symbolism in Happy Prince by Oscar Wilde
The Functions of Symbolism in Literature
Symbolism in John Updike’s “A & P”
Everything I Never Told You: Analysis of Symbolism
Symbolism in the Catcher in the Rye
A Seperate Peace (Symbolism)
Symbolism in Blake’s poetry
Symbolism in “The Storm” by Kate Chopin
Symbolism in Jane Eyre
Symbolism in the Lottery
Symbolism and “Battle Royal” by Ralph Ellison
Symbolism in “Araby” by James Joyce
Symbolism in Hardy’s Neutral Tones
Symbolism in The House on Mango Street
Symbolism in “The Yellow Wallpaper”
Symbolism Writing Guide
Symbolism is a great way to add depth, dimension, and meaning to your writing.
Symbols are objects, characters, figures, or colors used to represent abstract ideas or concepts.
You can use symbols in any form of writing—from poetry to essays to screenplays. They’re especially useful when you want your readers to think about the deeper meaning of what you’ve written.
If you’re looking for a new way to expand your writing toolkit, symbolism is an easy place to start.
What is Symbolism?
Symbolism is a term used in art and literature to describe a work that has more than one meaning, or that has meaning that is not obvious at first glance. Symbolism can be intentional or unintentional—some artists may intend for their work to have multiple meanings, while others may create work with hidden meanings that are only revealed through interpretation.
Symbolism is often used in art to express ideas and feelings that are too abstract or complex for words alone to convey. It can be used in writing and poetry as well—for example, if you’re writing about love, you might use symbols such as roses and birds to convey passion and freedom instead of writing “I love you” directly.
Symbol of Dragon
Types of Symbols
Symbols are all around us. They can be found in everything from art to religion, to language itself. Symbols are anything that represents something else, and they have many different meanings depending on the context in which they’re used.
There are three main types of symbols:
Abstract symbols: these are symbols that represent an idea or concept rather than an object or image (e.g., the smiley face).
Pictorial symbols: these are visual representations of something concrete (e.g., a picture of a cat).
Conventional symbols: these rely on an established set of conventions for their meaning (e.g., the letter “A,” which means “alphabet”).
Symbolism Essay Structure
Introduction
-Explain what symbolism is and what it means to you.
-Why did you choose this topic?
Body Paragraphs
-First body paragraph: explain how the author’s use of symbolism can be seen in the story.
-Second body paragraph: explain how the author’s use of symbolism can be seen in the story.
Conclusion
Color symbolism, and meaning
How to Write a Symbolism Essay
Writing a symbolism essay is a fun, creative way to explore your thoughts and feelings about a book. The following steps will help you write a successful symbolism essay:
Read the book thoroughly and take notes as you go along.
Choose one or two symbols that you feel are particularly important in the novel and elaborate on them using examples from the text.
Do some research on the meaning of those symbols and how they may have been used by other writers in other works of literature or art.
Write your essay!
United States Symbols
Still Need Help with Your Symbolism Essays?
We have a team of professional writers who specialize in writing essays and other academic papers like research papers, term papers and dissertations. Our writers are native English speakers, they are well-educated and have had at least 5 years of experience in writing essays and other academic papers.
We have many satisfied customers who have already used our services and we would be glad to help you too. If you need help with your essay, please contact us.
...Most of the work was done by one man who worked on the piece until he died; when he died, the only people left who cared enough to work on it was his family. The ones who know how long this piece has been a work in progress can’t really appreciate ...
Live chat with support 24/7
Don’t waste Your Time Searching For a Sample
👋 Hi! I’m your smart assistant Amy!
Don’t know where to start? Type your requirements and I’ll connect you to
an academic expert within 3 minutes.
