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SYMBOL IN LITERATURE

SYMBOL IN LITERATURE. DR. HUSNIAH SAHAMID. Symbols – some definition. A symbol is a sign further layers of meaning a symbol means more than it literally says http ://web.mst.edu/~gdoty/classes/concepts-practices/def-symbols.htmlre literal - symbols are not!. . General symbols.

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SYMBOL IN LITERATURE

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  1. SYMBOL IN LITERATURE DR. HUSNIAH SAHAMID

  2. Symbols – some definition • A symbol is a sign • furtherlayers of meaning • a symbol means more than it literally says • http://web.mst.edu/~gdoty/classes/concepts-practices/def-symbols.htmlre literal - symbols are not!.

  3. General symbols • Religious symbols • Political symbols

  4. Symbol - Defn • a word or object that stands for another word or object • object or word can be seen with the eye or not visible • Ex. a dove stands for Peace. • The dove can be seen and peace cannot.

  5. Symbol- Defn • Something that represents something else by association, • resemblance, or convention • especially a material object used to represent something invisible.

  6. Literature - Symbols • provide meaning to the writing beyond what is actually being described • plot and action thought of as one level, • symbolism of certain things • act on another level to enhance the story.

  7. Classic examples • Adam and Eve: when Eve ate the apple • Apple stood for sin • Serpent – negative : evil/temptation/satan

  8. Great Gatsby • Huge pair of bespectacled eyes • Over wilderness of a rubbish heap • Symbol: God

  9. Symbol association - can have 3 kinds: • Often will have all three • 1. personal • 2. cultural • 3. universal

  10. Personal: • associations with things in our experience • One person may have strong affection for dogs • another person may fear them intensely.

  11. Cultural • Different symbols different meanings in different cultures. • A lion can represent Christ in Christian culture; • Sumerian culture, sun represents god Marduk. • Chinese culture: dogs - devotion & loyalty • Islamic culture: impurity.

  12. Common Cultural Symbols? • When looking for cultural symbols in literature • think of what symbols represent moral standards, beliefs or patriotic themes for a culture / country. • American cultural symbols: Red, white and blue colors; Bald Eagle; coin with "In God We Trust" • Indian cultural symbols: yogi, banyan tree, image of Indian god or goddess   • Chinese cultural symbols: Bamboo tree, bonsai tree, yin/yang symbol

  13. Universal: • Jungian psychology, & other theories • Argue: some symbols have universal meaning. • Lions : deity in a variety of cultures • Serpent/snake • Trying to discern, express universal meaning of a symbol is tricky.

  14. Common literary symbols • Symbols referring to damnation: Fire, flames, heat, hot temperatures • Symbols referring to salvation: angels, haloes, clouds, churches /mosques/temples

  15. Common literary symbols • Symbols referring to reincarnation or reinvention: Phoenix rising from flames, crosses, rainbows, passing storms, dawn, sunrise, broken chains • Symbols referring to death or endings: Gravestones, cemeteries, Grim Reaper, Day of the Dead, skulls, candle blowing out, coffin, ringing of bell

  16. Symbolic Act • A gesture/ action with larger significance • Barn – burning • The act symbolise more than destroying barn • Symbol of expression of hatred • Father’s memories of the “waste & extravagance of war” • Kennedy and Gioia . (1995) Literature.

  17. Allegory • Animal Farm, • entire story is a symbol for the evils of communism, • animal characters representing key figures in the Russian revolution. • can be read as hildren's story • Realise - various elements and characters in the story symbolize • the novel takes on a whole new meaning. • story is called an allegory.

  18. Why use symbols? • Its compact • Its powerful/profound • Able to suggest • Watch – symbol for time • Ticking of watch – slow & invisible passage of time • Sense of helplessness associated with ‘ticking’

  19. Recognising symbols Sometimes writer: • gives paticular emphasis • may repeat • may appear in the title of the story - a clean well-lighted place, - barn-burning

  20. Symbol or not? • Maybe NOT a symbol but • Tie in with the theme • With the message • what the writer is trying to convey

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