Symbolism

​Symbolism

​A Review

​Symbolism

​Symbolism is everywhere; symbolism exists whenever something is meant to represent something else. Symbolism is a figure of speech that is used when an author wants to create a certain mood or emotion in a work of literature. It is the use of an object, person, situation, or word to represent something else, like an idea, in literature.

​Types of Symbolism

• Metaphor - a comparison between two unlike things without using the words 'like' or 'as.' For example, the phrase 'time is money' is an example of a metaphor comparing time to money. Money and time are two different things; this is an example of symbolism because these words show the importance of using your money and time wisely.​

​Types of Symbolism

A simile is a type of metaphor that draws a comparison between two unrelated things using ''like'' or ''as''. A writer will use a simile to highlight common qualities between the two elements of the comparison. For example, the statement ''He was drawn to the ocean like a moth to a flame'' uses ''like'' to compare a person's attraction to the ocean and a moth's attraction to a flame.​

​Types of Symbolism

Allegory is an extended metaphor. An allegory can be an entire story, poem, or book with symbolism that continues throughout the literary piece. In the novel Animal Farm by George Orwell, animals on a farm are used to represent the events leading up to the Russian revolution. The animals on the farm represent how greed and not having concern for others impact revolution.

​Types of Symbolism

An archetype refers to a story element such as an idea or character-type that reoccurs in stories and symbolizes something universal. For example, you can create a character based on certain qualities or traits that make them identifiable to readers. In the literary world, archetypes refer to characters, images or themes that symbolically embody a universal meaning or human experience.

​Types of Symbolism

Hyperboles use an exaggeration to make a specific point or add emphasis, whether for a comic or serious purpose. When used as a figure of speech, you're not meant to take hyperbole literally. Like the opposite of an understatement, hyperboles are often extravagant and often ridiculous overstatements. Not only can hyperbole catch your attention, but it can also show a contrast between two things.

​Types of Symbolism

Personification applies human attributes to something that isn't alive or human. For example, personification gives human form and sensibilities to various objects such as a chair, nature, a book, or an abstract concept like love or hate. Writers use personification to help their readers better relate to non-human things or objects.

​Types of Symbolism

​Colors

• ​Black is often used to represent something bad, such as death or evil.

• ​White often represents something that is good and pure.

• ​Red can symbolize passion, blood or danger.

• ​Green can symbolize hope and immaturity.

​Types of Symbolism

​Objects

• ​Chains can represent two things coming together.

• ​Ladders can represent the relationship between heaven and earth or ascension.

• ​A rose often represents romance or beauty.

• ​Light can be used to symbolize truth and safety.

• ​Dark can be used to symbolize evil and danger.

• ​Water can be used to symbolize rebirth.

​Types of Symbolism

​Seasons

• ​Spring: a new beginning

• ​Summer: warmth, knowledge

• ​Fall: growing old

• ​Winter: death

Multiple Choice

What is symbolism?

• The use of an object, person, situation, or word to represent something else (an idea) in literature

• Any story that attempts to explain how the world was created

• An actor's speech, directed to the audience, that is not supposed to be heard by other actors

• A pattern of sound that includes the repetition of consonant sounds

Multiple Choice

What is a metaphor?

• A an object or idea that repeats itself throughout a literary work

• A comparison between two unlike things using the words 'like' or 'as

• An entire story, book or poem with symbolism that continues throughout the literary piece

• A comparison between two unlike things without using the words 'like' or 'as

Multiple Choice

What is a similie?

• A an object or idea that repeats itself throughout a literary work

• A comparison between two unlike things using the words 'like' or 'as

• An entire story, book or poem with symbolism that continues throughout the literary piece

• A comparison between two unlike things without using the words 'like' or 'as

Multiple Choice

What is a hyperbole?

• A an object or idea that repeats itself throughout a literary work

• A comparison between two unlike things using the words 'like' or 'as

• An exaggeration to make a specific point or add emphasis

• A story element such as an idea or character-type that reoccurs in stories and symbolizes something universal.

Multiple Choice

What is an archetype?

• A an object or idea that repeats itself throughout a literary work

• A comparison between two unlike things using the words 'like' or 'as

• An exaggeration to make a specific point or add emphasis

• A story element such as an idea or character-type that reoccurs in stories and symbolizes something universal.

Multiple Choice

What is personification?

• A an object or idea that repeats itself throughout a literary work

• Applying human attributes to something that isn't alive or human.

• An exaggeration to make a specific point or add emphasis

• A story element such as an idea or character-type that reoccurs in stories and symbolizes something universal.

Multiple Choice

What is allegory?

• An extended metaphor

• Any story that attempts to explain how the world was created

• An actor's speech, directed to the audience, that is not supposed to be heard by other actors on stage

• None of these are correct

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is an example of symbolism in literature?

• The color black to symbolize evil

• Water symbolizing rebirth

• Fall representing growing old

• All of these are correct

• None of these are correct

Multiple Choice

Identify the metaphor listed below.

• She is as pretty as a picture

• Knowledge is power

• Tom went to the store quickly

• All of these are correct

• None of these are correct