Friday, November 15, 2013

How Is Symbolism Used In Writing

Symbolism is an far-reaching big idea in literature.


Symbols are used to clean-cut concepts -- literal or figurative, lucid or esoteric. They most generally lead an brainstorm or summary impression. A writer may exercise symbolism to communicate his thoughts or feelings with a more advantageous effort or a augmented subtle refinement than could be garnered with a mild factual discription. Symbols are repeatedly a potential substitute for metaphor, telling a narrative within a narrative and sending a comment in an nearly subliminal conduct.


Color Symbols


Colours are among the most ofttimes used symbols in the written term. One of the most customary and easily recognized is murky -- conveying dangerous, casualty and matters "un-good." Another close colour, burgundy, generally portrays heat, passion, danger and sometimes immorality. White tends to be associated with innocence, purity or things that are good. Green can symbolize envy, growth or new life and naivete.


Season Symbols


The seasons are frequently connected to the cycle of life. Spring is used to give the reader a sense of births and new beginnings --- youth, health and enthusiasm. It can also illustrate innocence. Summer is commonly used to portray maturity, knowledge or warmth of emotion.

Animal Symbols

Animals are often used to bring ideas to the reader's mind, particularly in writings of the supernatural, horror or even the spiritual. Doves portray peace, purity, love, promise and marriage. Owls are almost always employed as symbols of wisdom and knowledge.



Snow can bring to mind coldness, but also warmth if paired with fireplaces, hot cocoa and good friends. Threatening skies can stand for conflict or dramatic change, often associated with evil. A sunny day causes the reader to think of life, labors, energy or happiness. Rainbows portend promise and rebirth.


As life begins its decline, authors favor autumn as an ideal symbol, while winter is generally employed to depict illness, death, loneliness and frigidity.

Weather Symbols

Weather used as symbolism in literature is loosely tied in with the seasons. Rain combined with gray skies can communicate sadness and depression or simply a desire for calm, quiet moments; while a rainy, sunny spring morning can cause the reader to envision new, bright, hopeful beginnings.


If the writer wants To possess the reader imagine innocence or vulnerability, she will usually tell of a lamb; conversely, she uses a wolf to represent one who preys upon the innocent. Cats and foxes serve to demonstrate those who are sly and underhanded, while mice tend to bring a meek or dull person to the mind's eye. Lions and peacocks are used as symbols of pride, the former bringing strength to the story and the latter vanity.