Key takeaways:
- Symbolism uses images and words to convey deeper meanings beyond the literal meaning.
- Writers employ symbolism to enrich their work, adding depth to characters, settings, and themes.
- Recognizing symbolism involves looking for repetition, transformation, contrasts, and pivotal moments in a text.
- An example of symbolism is the white whale in Moby Dick, which represents obsession and the uncontrollable forces of nature.
Symbolism uses words or images to convey ideas. In everyday life, symbols like flags, icons, and colors help us navigate. For instance, restroom signs feature simple people figures; green means go, while red means stop.
In literature, symbolism works similarly, allowing writers to communicate messages visually through imagery. Even in unillustrated texts, symbolism paints a picture in the reader’s mind, like winter and everything north of The Wall in Game of Thrones, symbolizing encroaching, apocalyptic danger.
In this guide, we’ll explore why we use symbolism and how to use it effectively. Then, we’ll provide examples from literature to help you understand its impact.
Table of contents
How to effectively use symbolism in your writing
Why do writers use symbolism?
Symbolism uses words or images to represent specific concepts, people, objects, or events. Sometimes, it conveys a broad theme, like the conch shell in Lord of the Flies, which symbolizes law and order. Other times, symbolism is more focused, like a black cat symbolizing a character’s bad luck.
Like metaphors and allegories, symbolism helps readers picture scenes and understand deeper ideas, making writing more vivid and interesting. These tools allow writers to share meanings that go beyond the simple words used.
How to recognize symbolism
You can recognize symbolism when an image or object in a text indicates something beyond its literal meaning. It often stands out due to repetition, emphasis, or contrast. Here are some ways to spot symbolism in writing:
- Repetition or emphasis: If a particular image or object appears multiple times, it might be symbolic. Authors often draw attention to specific elements to give them deeper meanings.
- Transformation or change: Symbolism can appear when characters or objects transform. This shift often symbolizes something more profound, like personal growth or a change in perspective.
- Contrasts: Pay attention to contrasts in imagery. An author might use opposing symbols to highlight key themes, such as good vs. evil or life vs. death.
- Pivotal moments: These are key scenes or events where symbolic meanings are often revealed.
Let’s take a look at some examples of symbolism in action:
- A character might have piercing green eyes that seem to focus on others, symbolizing jealousy.
- A character with glowing red eyes and a tendency to laugh maniacally may symbolize evil.
- A character who always carries a wilted flower may symbolize decay or hopelessness.
Recognizing symbolism requires careful attention to detail and a willingness to dig deeper into the meanings behind the words.
When is symbolism used
Symbolism enhances writing when literal language falls short. Compare these two sentences:
- Literal: He looked at his wedding ring and was reminded of his commitment to his marriage.
- Symbolic: He looked at his wedding ring, its smooth curve looping onto itself, never-ending—a reflection of his eternal commitment to his marriage.
In the second example, the circle’s symbolism deepens the character’s reflection on his marriage without replacing literal descriptions. Symbolism is applied differently in various types of writing. Let’s look at how it functions in creative and academic contexts:
Creative writing
Symbolism is essential in creative writing. You’ve read it in poems and stories and creative nonfiction works, such as personal essays and blog posts. It’s also frequently used in song lyrics, movies, television, and visual art.
For example, like the wedding ring, this symbol can be used in fictional writing to evoke a sense of enduring love and commitment, enriching the narrative.
Academic writing
You will rarely use symbolism in academic writing unless the paper is about the piece of symbolism. For example, you might write an essay about how Toni Morrison used symbolism in her novels, but you wouldn’t create your own symbolism to communicate your essay’s themes.
Types of symbolism
There are lots of different ways authors use symbolism in their work.
These symbolic associations often vary across cultures, influencing how symbols are created and interpreted in literature worldwide.
Color symbolism
Just about every color people can see has some emotional or psychological association. For example, red is often associated with anger and passion, while blue is often associated with calmness. Authors often rely on color psychology, symbolizing different character traits, feelings, settings, or foreshadowing events through color imagery.
Examples:
- White = purity, innocence
- Red = anger, passion
- Blue = calmness, tranquility
- Green = growth, envy
For example, yellow is associated with fun, joy, and playfulness in the United States; in Japan, it symbolizes courage.
So, while dressing a character in yellow might tell Japanese readers that the character is brave, this symbol could go right over American readers’ heads—or just make them think the character is fun and joyful.
Animal symbolism
Certain animals, such as a dove symbolizing peace or a rat symbolizing disease, are considered symbolic. Whether a species deserves certain cultural associations or not, that association can be a powerful symbolic tool. You might come across lion imagery to suggest royalty or snake imagery to suggest deceptiveness.
Examples:
- Butterfly = transformation
- Lion = royalty, strength
- Swan = grace
- Owl = knowledge, wisdom
Symbolism of common objects
Throughout this post, we’ve touched on various symbols, and here are a few more common examples:
- Apple = temptation
- Chains = imprisonment
- Crown = power
- Ring = eternity
- Scales = justice, the law
- Skull and crossbones = danger, poison
- Suitcase = travel, a journey
Keep in mind that some symbols are culture-specific and may carry different meanings depending on context or tradition. For example, the eagle symbolizes strength and a connection to the divine in many Indigenous cultures. However, in Western traditions, it often represents freedom and liberty.
How to effectively use symbolism in your writing
Symbolism is a powerful tool, but striking the right balance is important. For example, the “Winter is coming” tagline from Game of Thrones is an overt use of symbolism that immediately signals danger or impending change—it’s clear and easy for the audience to grasp. Other times, it’s so subtle you might miss it entirely. The key is for symbolism to communicate in a subtle yet impactful way.
To effectively use symbolism in your writing, consider how it can enhance key areas: character development, setting and atmosphere, and themes.
Character development
One of the most common ways to use symbolism is through character development. Characters often embody symbolic meanings that reflect their internal struggles, desires, or traits.
For example, a character constantly surrounded by shadows might symbolize their inner turmoil or dark past. Conversely, a character with a significant object, like a ring, could symbolize commitment or eternal love.
Setting and atmosphere
Symbolism is also powerful in setting and atmosphere. The setting can reflect a story’s mood or conflicts. For instance, a dark, stormy night could symbolize impending danger.
On the other hand, a bright, sunny morning might represent hope or a fresh start. By linking symbolism to your setting, you help readers feel the atmosphere and connect it to the story’s emotional landscape.
Themes
Symbols can reinforce a story’s themes. For example, a river might symbolize the passage of time or change, while a closed door could represent missed opportunities or the unknown.
Integrating these symbols subtly into your narrative helps enhance your themes without needing direct exposition. The key is to keep it balanced—symbols should add depth to your work, not overshadow it.
Allegory
When an entire work is symbolic, it’s called an allegory. In an allegory, characters, events, and settings represent complex ideas or themes. Animal Farm by George Orwell is one of the most famous 20th-century allegories.
While the story appears to be about farm animals, it symbolizes Orwell’s disillusionment with the Bolshevik Revolution and critiques the Russian government.
Unlike typical symbolism, which writers can integrate into a story, an allegory is meant to be understood symbolically from beginning to end. Allegories often make complex ideas more accessible through storytelling.
Misinterpretation of symbolism
When an image in a work seems symbolic but doesn’t actually symbolize anything, it’s called false symbolism.
An example of this would be to assume a protagonist’s persistent cough represents deep-seated emotional turmoil or a hidden illness when the author simply included it as a minor character quirk to make them seem more human and slightly flawed, with no further symbolic intent.
As an author, you can’t prevent readers from making assumptions about your work. While you can try to explain your intended symbolism, once your work has been published, you lose control over its interpretation.
Symbolism examples
Symbolism extends beyond literature, appearing in architecture, historical events, and everyday life. For example, NASA’s Apollo missions, named after the Greek god Apollo, symbolized the monumental vision of human space exploration. Below are examples of symbolism in various cultural contexts, from literary works to architecture to film.
Symbolism examples
| Category | Context | Symbol | Meaning |
| Literature | The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald | The color green | Illustrates wealth and money as a lifeblood among his characters. |
| Architecture | The Church of the Light in Ibaraki-Shi, Japan | The cross-shaped cutout | Symbolizes attendees’ faith, allowing light to shine through during worship. |
| Art | For the Love of God by Damien Hirst | A diamond-encrusted human skull | Reminds the viewer that life is short and death is unavoidable. |
| Poetry | “The Raven” by Edgar Allan Poe | The raven | Symbolizes death and the narrator’s descent into madness and despair. |
| Speech | “I Have a Dream” by Martin Luther King Jr. | The “dream” of equality | Represents hope, justice, and the future vision of racial equality. |
| Architecture | Heydar Aliyev Centre in Baku, Azerbaijan | Unconventional shape | Symbolizes the nation’s emergence and readiness to overcome obstacles. |
| Art | Dutch Golden Age still-life paintings | Various symbolic objects | Communicates themes like temptation, national pride, and gluttony. |
| Literature | The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne | The scarlet letter “A” | Represents sin, shame, and the consequences of guilt in Puritan society. |
| Film | The Matrix | The red pill | Symbolizes the choice between truth and illusion. |
| Poetry | “Hug O’ War” by Shel Silverstein | The hug | Symbolizes peace, friendship, and the power of love to overcome conflict. |
The power of symbolism
Refining your use of symbolism can add depth and meaning to your writing, making your work more engaging and impactful. By using symbols thoughtfully, you can connect with your readers on a deeper level and make your writing more memorable.
Fine-tune your writing with Grammarly
Whether you’re working on a novel, essay, or any creative piece, Grammarly can help you fine-tune your writing and ensure your symbolic imagery is engaging. Explore how Grammarly can support your writing process and elevate your storytelling.
Symbolism FAQs
Symbolism is a powerful tool for showcasing deeper meanings and imagery. Below are frequently asked questions about symbolism, examples, and insights into how you can use it in various contexts.
What are some examples of symbolism?
Symbols are powerful because they convey deeper meanings and evoke emotions without needing to be explicitly explained. Here are some common examples of recurring symbolism:
- Red roses symbolize love: Representing romance and deep affection
- A rainbow symbolizes hope: A sign of optimism and renewal
- A dove symbolizes peace: A symbol of tranquility and harmony
Each symbol carries specific, often universal meanings that transcend literal interpretation, making them effective tools for conveying complex ideas or emotions subtly and visually.
What is symbolism in art history?
Symbolism in art refers to using images, colors, and figures to represent ideas, emotions, or concepts beyond their literal meaning. Symbolism often uses symbols like flowers, animals, or mythological figures to convey emotions or abstract ideas.
The goal is to create works that invite personal interpretation and reflect inner truths rather than literal depictions of the world.
What is symbolism in literature?
In literature, symbolism is using symbols to represent ideas or qualities through objects, characters, or events. Writers use symbolism to convey deeper meanings and themes, such as the conch shell in Lord of the Flies, symbolizing order and civilization.
Symbols can create layers of interpretation, adding richness to the story and enhancing its emotional impact.
