Literary Techniques:

Symbolism
Learning Objectives
 The
students shall be able to define and recognize
symbols.
 Thestudents shall be able to develop skills to analyze
and interpret the symbolic elements in text or
artworks.
 The students shall be able to investigate the author’s
intention.
 The students shall be able to practice critical thinking.
 The
students shall be able to apply understanding of
symbolism in their own creative endeavors.
 Symbolism
 The practice of representing things by means of
symbols or of attributing symbolic meanings or
significance to objects, events or relationships.
 Symbolism in literature equates to words that
create pictures for the reader.
 Symbolism in literature refers to the author using
figures of speech to convey mood or emotions to
the reader.
 Use of Symbolism

A writer uses symbolism techniques in

writing to:
-Enhance the overall meaning of the written work
-Express the writer’s intentions and feelings
The word “red” immediately
creates an image or picture
of the color red in your
mind. This color is
associated or has
connotations with other
feelings or images, such as
anger.
The word “black”
immediately creates an
image or picture of the
color black in your mind.
The color is associated or
has connotations with other
feelings or images, such as
sadness or death.
The word “winter” is usually
associated with a lack of growth and
loss of vitality.
The word “spring” is usually
associated with growth, life, and
renewal.
However, there is one
important thing to
consider when
analyzing
symbolism: context.
-There are so many different ways you can
interpret a symbol.
-And they're NOT all wrong! Symbolism's
implicit nature forces you to engage with the
text, and think outside the box. This helps the
composer hammer a message into your mind.
And this is why symbols are so powerful and
so commonly used.
Example:
Shakespeare's Henry IV, Act 1, Scene 2
I know you all, and will awhile uphold
The unyoked humor of your idleness.
Yet herein will I imitate the sun,
Who doth permit the base
contagious clouds
To smother up his beauty from the world,
That, when he please again to be himself
Being wanted, he may be more wondered at
By breaking through the foul and ugly mist
Of vapors that did seem to strangle him.'
Symbolism Summary

1. Symbolism creates word pictures for

readers.
2. Readers can see images and feel
emotions based on a writer’s use of
symbolism techniques.
3. Writers use symbolism so that readers
understand and feel intended thoughts
and emotions.