A symbol is the use of a concrete object to represent an abstract idea. The word symbol is derived from the Greek verb “symballein” which means “to put together and the related noun
“symbolon” which means “mark”, “taken” or “sign”.

The term, symbol, when used in literature is often a figure of speech in which a person,
object, or situation represent something in addition to its literal meaning. Conventional or traditional literary symbols work in much the same way, and because they have a previously agreed upon meaning, they can be used to suggest ideas more universal than the physical aspect itself.

A symbol may appear in a work of literature in a number of different ways to suggest a: number of different things. Most commonly, a symbol will present itself in the form of 1) a word, 2) a figure of speech, 3) an event, 4) the total action, or 5) a character.

 Writers use many literary devices to add layers of meaning to their writing.  One way they do this is by using symbolism.

Symbolism is when writers use animals, elements, things, places, or colors to represent other things.  The symbols they use are usually well known in literature or culture.  When you understand the symbol being used, you connect its meaning to the story you are reading and understand the story on a deeper level.

Another way to understand symbolism is to think about how the media, movies, and television, and music videos use symbols to immediately make us think of or connect with other things. 

Symbolism

Practicing exercise

1. In westerns, who wears the white hat?

2.      In westerns, who wears the black hat?

Symbolism

Practicing exercise

1. The good boy or hero.
2. The bad boy or villain.

Symbolism-Colors

Quiz

I.                 Complete the chart:

Use:  

§  Black

§  Blue

§  Gold

§  Green

§  Purple

§  Red

§  White

Symbolism-Colors

Quiz-Answer key

I.                 Complete the chart:

Use:  

§  White

§  Black

§  Red

§  Blue

§  Purple

§  Gold

§  Green

Symbolism

Test

Choose an abstract idea such as terrorism, democracy, or communism.  Create a symbol for the abstract idea.  Then write an essay using the symbol throughout.

Symbolism

Test-Answer key

Answers will vary