SYMBOLISM

Myra T. Torrecampo
MAEng
 Symbolism
Symbolism is a literary device that uses objects, places, people,
or ideas to represent something beyond their literal meaning.

Writers use symbolism as a way to draw connections between

their characters, their story’s environment, and the events of the
plot.
 Fire and Ice
Robert Frost

Some say the world will end in fire,

Some say in ice.
From what I’ve tasted of desire
I hold with those who favor fire.
But if it had to perish twice,
I think I know enough of hate
To say that for destruction ice
Is also great
Fire symbolizes destructive and Ice symbolizes destructive and
consuming emotions such as withholding emotions such as
jealousy, desire for power, hate, indifference, loneliness,
anger, and impulsivity. and isolation.
Apple = Temptation Skull = Poison Clover = Good
Luck
 Function of Symbolism
Symbolism gives a writer freedom to add double levels of meanings to his
work: a literal one that is self-evident, and the symbolic one whose
meaning is far more profound than the literal. Symbolism, therefore, gives
universality to the characters and the themes of a piece of literature.
Symbolism in literature evokes interest in readers as they find an
opportunity to get an insight into the writer’s mind on how he views the
world, and how he thinks of common objects and actions, having broader
implications.
How Do Writers Use Symbolism?

Writers insert symbols into their writing to allude

to a feeling, mood or attitude without directly
stating the perspective or mood intended.
Symbolism is supplemental to the story.
THE RAVEN
Edgar Allan Poe

"Open here I flung the shutter, when, with many a flirt and
flutter,
In there stepped a stately Raven of the saintly days of yore;
Not the least obeisance made he; not a minute stopped or
stayed he;
But, with mien of lord or lady, perched above my chamber
door—
Perched upon a bust of Pallas just above my chamber
door—
Perched, and sat, and nothing more."
 The Raven
This famous poem is known for its rich symbolism.
Ravens have been viewed for centuries in Western
culture as bad omens. Edgar Allan Poe uses the raven
to symbolize death and loss as the narrator descends
into madness.
 The Spring Is Passing by Matsuo Basho

"The passing spring

Birds mourn,
Fishes weep
With tearful eyes."
 The Spring Is Passing
Matsuo Basho
”Spring is passing” often means
an eternal parting. The birds and
the fishes mean Basho and his
friends.
The use of phrases like "birds
lament," "fishes weep," and
"tearful eyes" in this context
conjures up an image of sadness
and regret related to the end of
spring.
TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD

To Kill a Mockingbird has symbolism

in its very title. A mockingbird
represents innocents, and the title
represents the death of innocents.
 In "To Kill a Mockingbird," the mockingbird is a powerful
symbol. Throughout the novel, Atticus Finch, the father of the
protagonist Scout, tells her and her brother Jem that it's a sin to
kill a mockingbird. He explains that mockingbirds don't harm
anyone; they only sing beautiful songs for people to enjoy.
Symbolically, the mockingbird represents innocence, goodness,
and the idea of not causing harm to those who are harmless.
Atticus's advice about not killing mockingbirds is not just about birds
but serves as a metaphor for not harming innocent and vulnerable
individuals in society. This symbolism is central to the novel's themes of
racism and social injustice. Characters like Tom Robinson, Boo Radley,
and even Scout and Jem, can be seen as symbolic mockingbirds who are
unfairly harmed or persecuted by others in the story.

The mockingbird symbol is woven throughout the narrative, helping

readers to understand the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by the
characters and the larger societal issues of the time.
 Overall, symbolism is a rich and complex
artistic and literary movement that sought to
express the ineffable and the mysterious
through the use of symbols and subjective
interpretation.
Thank You!