Symbolism

Definition

Symbolism is the use of symbols to represent ideas, emotions, or concepts in literature. This technique allows authors to convey deeper meanings and evoke emotional responses from readers, connecting the literal and abstract realms within their works. Symbolism can enhance themes, enrich character development, and create layers of meaning that invite interpretation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In John Webster's plays, symbols such as blood and darkness often reflect themes of corruption and morality.
2. Thomas Kyd employs symbolism through ghostly apparitions and motifs of revenge, enhancing the emotional intensity of his works.
3. In 'Piers Plowman,' dreams serve as symbols for spiritual quests and moral dilemmas, connecting personal struggles to broader societal issues.
4. Classical epic traditions often utilize symbols like the journey or the hero's shield to signify greater themes of honor, fate, and humanity's struggle against adversity.
5. The Spenserian sonnet structure allows for symbolic representation of love and beauty, using natural imagery to convey complex emotional states.

Review Questions

• How does symbolism enhance the themes present in John Webster's works?
  • In John Webster's plays, symbolism plays a crucial role in enhancing themes such as moral corruption and the duality of human nature. For example, blood is frequently used as a symbol of guilt and treachery, while darkness often represents ignorance and evil. These symbols help to create a haunting atmosphere that deepens the audience's understanding of the characters' psychological struggles and ethical dilemmas.
• Discuss how Thomas Kyd's use of symbolism contributes to the overall impact of his narratives.
  • Thomas Kyd skillfully uses symbolism to heighten emotional intensity and underscore themes of revenge in his narratives. Ghosts and supernatural elements serve as powerful symbols of unresolved conflict and moral reckoning. This not only drives the plot but also invites the audience to reflect on the implications of vengeance and justice within a tumultuous world.
• Evaluate the role of symbolism in 'Oroonoko' by Aphra Behn and its reflection on colonialism and identity.
  • In 'Oroonoko,' Aphra Behn employs symbolism to explore complex themes surrounding colonialism and identity. The character Oroonoko himself symbolizes nobility and dignity in the face of oppression, while his chains represent the brutal realities of slavery. Through these symbols, Behn critiques the colonial system and highlights the human cost associated with imperialism. This nuanced use of symbolism encourages readers to contemplate their own perceptions of power, freedom, and humanity within a colonial context.

Related terms

Metaphor:

A figure of speech that makes a direct comparison between two unlike things by stating that one is the other, helping to illustrate a concept or idea.

Allegory:

A narrative in which characters and events symbolize broader concepts and ideas, often conveying moral, social, or political messages.

Motif: A recurring element, theme, or idea within a literary work that helps to develop and inform the text’s central themes.