Literary Elements Notes Symbo l Definition of Symbolism

Literary Elements Notes

Symbo l

Definition of Symbol(ism): any item that stands for itself and something beyond itself

Let’s break it down…

Types of Symbol s

People or Animals

People Examples: Bart Simpson represents the challenge to authority and lack of responsibility for our own actions “I didn’t do it!” Martin Luther King, Jr. , represents the struggle of African-Americans and change through peaceful, non-violent approaches.

Animal Examples: A dove usually represents peace and tranquility. An eagle holds symbolic meaning to Americans, representing pride and freedom.

Settings

Setting Examples: The tragedy of 9/11 and the destruction of the World Trade Center Towers will forever be symbolic for America’s loss of innocence. “Ground Zero” will represent both the evil of mankind and the hope for a better future.

Setting Examples: Cemeteries are symbolic. Of course, a grave can be symbolic of death. Many choose to see graveyards as a place of honor, such as Arlington National Cemetery (it represents not only the sacrifices made but the honor we give to those who have served this country).

Objects

Objects Examples: A horseshoe represents good luck (as long as it is facing up). A ring is a symbol of a commitment to each other. The “circle” is also symbolic of “neverending. ”

Objects Examples: Each religion has many symbolic objects that represent various things to its believers. The scales represent justice in a court of law, balancing the forces of

Names

Names Examples: Charles Dickens’ character: Miss Murdstone (which sounds like murder + stone put together). She was a very hard, cold, and cruel lady.

Names Examples: “Rocky” Why didn’t Sylvester Stallone name his famous movie character Fluffy? Smiley? Buttercup?

Colors

Color Examples: Red represents excitement, energy, passion, love, desire, speed, strength, power, Republicans (a “red” state), heat, aggression,

Color Examples: Black represents sophistication, formality, elegance, mystery, fear, evil, unhappiness, sadness, remorse, anger,

Color Examples: Green represents nature, environment, good luck, renewal/rebirth, youth, spring, generosity, wealth (money), fertility,

Color Examples: Purple represents royalty, nobility, spirituality, ceremony, transformation, wisdom, enlightenment, cruelty, arrogance, mourning.

Color Examples: White represents purity, cleanliness, peace, humility, innocence, youth, winter, snow, good, sterility, marriage (Western cultures), death (Eastern

Color Examples: Blue represents peace, tranquility, calm, stability, harmony, unity, trust, truth, confidence, security, Democrats (a “blue” state), loyalty, sky, and water.

Color Examples: Yellow represents joy, happiness, optimism, idealism, imagination, hope, sunshine, warmth, summer, cowardice, covetousness, deceit, and illness.

Symbol