Symbolism

Definition

Symbolism is a literary device where symbols are used to represent larger ideas or concepts, giving deeper meaning to the text. This technique allows writers to convey complex themes and emotions through tangible images, characters, or events, enhancing the reader's understanding and engagement with the narrative.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In Arthurian legend, symbols such as the sword Excalibur represent kingship, power, and rightful sovereignty.
2. In 'Piers Plowman', allegorical figures embody societal issues and critiques, using symbolism to address moral and social injustices.
3. The poem 'Pearl' utilizes imagery and symbolism to explore themes of loss, redemption, and the nature of heaven and earth.
4. Malory's 'Le Morte d'Arthur' employs symbolism in character actions and quests to reflect broader themes of honor, betrayal, and chivalric ideals.
5. 'Morality Plays' often use symbolic characters and scenarios to impart moral lessons, making complex concepts accessible to audiences.

Review Questions

• How does symbolism enhance the portrayal of themes in Arthurian legend?
  • Symbolism in Arthurian legend plays a crucial role in conveying themes such as honor, loyalty, and the quest for identity. For example, objects like Excalibur symbolize rightful kingship and the responsibilities that come with it. Through these symbols, readers can grasp deeper insights into the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by characters, enriching their understanding of the narrative.
• Analyze how symbolism is used in 'Piers Plowman' to critique social structures of its time.
  • In 'Piers Plowman', symbolism is employed through various allegorical figures that represent different social classes and virtues. For instance, Piers symbolizes the ideal Christian worker who advocates for social justice. By using these symbols, the poem critiques the inequities present in medieval society, illustrating the moral failings of both the wealthy and religious institutions while promoting a vision of a more equitable world.
• Evaluate the significance of symbolism in 'Pearl' compared to other works attributed to the Pearl Poet.
  • Symbolism in 'Pearl' is deeply woven into its structure and themes, particularly regarding loss and spiritual longing. Unlike other works by the Pearl Poet, such as 'Sir Gawain and the Green Knight', which also uses symbolism but focuses on chivalry and honor, 'Pearl' delves into personal grief through vivid imagery. The pearl itself symbolizes purity and divine hope, contrasting with earthly struggles. This layered use of symbolism enriches both texts but highlights different aspects of human experience—loss in 'Pearl' versus chivalric ideals in 'Sir Gawain'.

Related terms

Allegory:

A narrative technique in which characters and events symbolize broader moral or political meanings, often used to convey hidden messages.

Imagery: Descriptive language that creates vivid mental pictures, often enhancing the symbolic meaning of objects or scenes in a text.

Motif: A recurring element, theme, or idea in a literary work that reinforces the central concept or symbolism throughout the narrative.