Symbolism Metaphors and Imagery in Literature Introduction Symbolism

Symbolism, Metaphors, and Imagery in Literature

Introduction: • Symbolism, imagery, and metaphors (or in general, figurative language) are three important literary tools for authors to paint a story with words. This then makes it possible to draw readers into the world of the story. A good story always presents a world that readers can imagine with characters they can relate to at a personal level. • Examples of literature worlds: Middle-earth, Hogwarts, OASIS, Jurassic Park, Canterbury Cathedral, etc. • Examples of literature characters: Hermione, Oliver Twist, Benjamin Button, Beowulf, Jane Eyre, Alice, etc.

Symbolism • Definition: A symbol is an object, word, or image that has a deeper significance than just its literal meaning. It represents something more than itself. • Purpose: Symbolism is to enhance the meaning of the story.

Examples of Symbols Black: evil, darkness, death. A storm: conflict, anger, causes doubt in direction. The One Ring: greed, treason, manipulation. The Raven: death, agony, and loss. A dog: loyalty, guidance, protection.

Metaphors • Definition: A form of figurative language that does a direct comparison between two things that have no similarity without using “like” or “as”. • Purpose: To give readers a picture in their minds of what is being discussed and a better understanding of a concept. Metaphors also help make a story more interesting.

Examples of Metaphors • “…the hole in the mountainside… a yawning mouth leading in and down. ” – J. R. R. Tolkien´s The Hobbit • “Father, you were not defeated by me… You were defeated by this swamp of Japan. ” – Shusaku Endo`s Silence • “Dying is a wild night and a new road. ” – The letters of Emily Dickinson. • “People say that eyes are windows to the soul” – Khaled Hosseini`s The Kite Runner

Imagery • Definition: Descriptive language that appeals to the readers` senses. • Purpose: To paint images through words for enhancing the story.

Examples of Imagery • “The savage, whirling bodies circled nearer. Now a spear sprang forth and touched his arm. The sharp pain and the feel of hot, trickling blood assured him of the awful reality of his hopeless position. ” – Edgar Burroughs`s Tarzan of the Apes • “…the lack of teeth was, of course, made up for with a strong jaw; using the jaw, he really was able to start the key turning…he must have been causing some kind of damage as a brown fluid came from his mouth. ” – Franz Kafka`s Metamorphosis