What is Symbolism?Understanding Symbolism in
Literature
What is a symbol?
SYMBOL: a symbol stands for something else
A concrete noun that represents an abstract noun. A symbol may be a person, place, thing, or action. It may also stand for an idea, belief, feeling, or attitude.
What is a symbol?
A symbol keeps its own meaning while also standing for something else.
Example – a flag stands for its country
What Does The Picture Symbolize?
Christianity
What Does The Picture Symbolize?
peace
What Does The Picture Symbolize?
love
What Does The Picture Symbolize?
marriage
HOW DOES SYMBOLISM AFFECT READING COMPREHENSION?
When you read, learn to recognize patterns.
Patterns can show us hidden meanings in the
text. When an author repeats something, it’s a
big clue that it is essential to the meaning of the
story.
HOW DOES SYMBOLISM AFFECT READING COMPREHENSION?
Symbols show what text cannot and guide
you to a more complete understanding of the
underlying point.
How can you recognize a symbol in literature?
First, read the story and repeat if needed to
fully understand the plot. Distinguish
between plot and theme. Plot is the
sequence of events, and theme is the
message the author is trying to convey.
How can you recognize a symbol in literature?
Second, summarize the plot in a single sentence.
Based on your sentence, think about possible
lessons (themes) you could learn from it. Look for
a moral to the story. Jot down as many as you can
think of.
How can you recognize a symbol in literature?
Third, scan the story again. Note any nouns that
show up often. (tag them by highlighting,
underlining, or noting down on a separate sheet
of paper)
How can you recognize a symbol in literature?
Fourth, see if any of the nouns you have found have
any obvious connotations. Can they represent
something else? (for example, “dark” could be
“evil”)
How can you recognize a symbol in literature?
Fifth, see if any of the words have a relationship to
the themes you noted in step three. Can the words
represent something that is not only essential to
the plot, but to all human life?
How can you recognize a symbol in literature?
Finally, read the story again, mentally
replacing your tagged words with the ideas or
concepts you believe they could represent.
Symbols and Theme
When you read, look carefully for symbols. Ask
yourself if any of the words have a broader
meaning. Symbols can give you clues and help you
understand themes in the stories you read.
Practice Looking for SymbolsEvery Time You Read
With practice, you will become skillful at identifying symbols in different texts.
