Symbols
Definition
Symbols are objects, actions, or ideas that represent something beyond their literal meaning. They add depth and layers of meaning to a literary work.
Analogy
Symbols are like hidden messages in a treasure hunt. They may seem ordinary at first glance but hold deeper significance once you uncover their true meaning.
Related terms
Motif: A recurring symbol or theme throughout a literary work that helps develop its overall message.
Allegory: A narrative where characters and events represent abstract ideas or moral qualities.
Metaphor: A figure of speech that compares two unrelated things without using "like" or "as," often used to convey symbolic meanings.
"Symbols" appears in:
Subjects (1)
Study guides (5)
AP English Literature - 1.6 The basics of literary analysis
AP English Literature - Unit 8 Overview: Advanced Techniques in Poetry
AP English Literature - 8.3 How ambiguity can allow for various interpretations
AP English Literature - 8.4 Identifying symbols, conceits, and allusions
AP English Literature - 9.1 Looking at a character’s response to the resolution of a narrative
Additional resources (2)
Practice Questions (6)
What is the purpose of analyzing the text's themes and symbols in literary analysis?
What is the purpose of using multiple symbols to represent one idea?
Symbols in a literary work can be interpreted differently by readers because:
Why is understanding the context of a literary work important for interpreting symbols?
What do symbols, conceits, and allusions in poetry contribute to?
What should readers look for to identify symbols in poetry?
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