A symbol…is something that represents something else, either by association or by resemblance. It can be a material object or a written sign used to represent something invisible.

Why a writer uses symbolism…

Symbolism is used when a writer uses an event, item or a character to stand for something else.

Symbols can be characters, such as a character symbolizing good or evil.

People can be symbols, such as Ebenezer Scrooge in “A Christmas Carol.”

Why a writer uses symbolism…

Objects can also be symbols, such as the scarlet letter.

Authors use symbolism, a form of imagery, when they want to portray something to the reader without using the narrator.

Symbolism is everywhere…A symbol is an object which stands for something else

Symbols are used in daily life. Many road signs are symbols, as is the traditional red and white pole for a barber's shop.

Symbolism can take place by having the theme of a story represented on a physical level. A simple example might be the occurrence of a storm at a critical point, when there is conflict or high emotions. The storm might symbolize these emotions. Another example might the way sound is used to replace a character.

Let's look at some actual examples of symbolism used in literature and other media, with which you might be familiar. The Harry Potter books by J. K. Rowling could be seen as containing a lot of symbolism. One clear example is; the use of a snake to represent evil. It is no coincidence that the symbol of Slytherin House is a serpent.

Standard symbols and others more original are evoked by conscious and deliberate use of language by writers, advertisers and speakers.

In many cases, clever descriptive writing is mistaken for symbolism. When asked about the symbolism in his poem, “The Road Not Taken,” Frost replied,

I shall be telling this with a sighSomewhere ages and ages hence:Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—I took the one less traveled by,And that has made all the difference.

“There is no symbolism. Sometimes paths divide in the woods…” Be careful with symbolism!

What do these symbols mean to you?

Birds, especially the robin, sometimes represent the coming of spring. These creatures can also represent peace, such as the dove.

The blackbird is one of the most common bird symbols. Birds have long been a symbol of the soul. They represent the soul, flying free of the earth-bound body and seeking the heavens.

The birds represent a passage between the physical world and spiritual worlds. Birds in flight can also represent freedom. A bird with a broken wing can represent the loss of freedom or a painful handicap.

Predatory birds, like the eagle or hawk, are often associated with rulers. Perhaps this association was reinforced by the fact that the upper classes could afford to have trained hunting birds.

Pigeons have a less lofty reputation nowadays, but they used to be associated with loyalty and bravery. They were used as messengers and homing pigeons were known to overcome incredible odds to bring a message home -- flying through battle zones and terrible weather.

The peacock is a beautiful bird, and sometimes a symbol of vanity. This may be because, not only is it a beautiful bird, but its feathers have been used to decorate fancy clothing and hats.

The raven is a symbolic representation of the Trickster in many native stories.

There has long been a belief that after death, the soul leaves the body in form of a bird.

Red:

China: Good luck, celebration, summoning

Cherokees: Success, triumph

India: Purity

South Africa: Color of mourning

Russia: Bolsheviks and Communism

Eastern: Worn by brides

Western: Excitement, danger, love, passion, stop, Christmas (with green)

Orange:

Ireland: Religious (Protestants)

Western: Halloween (with black), creativity, autumn

Yellow:

China: Nourishing

Egypt: Color of mourning

Japan: Courage

India: Merchants

Western: Hope, hazards, coward

Green

China: Green hats indicate a man's wife is cheating on him, exorcism

India: Islam

Ireland: Symbol of the entire country

Western: Spring, new birth, go, Saint Patrick's Day, Christmas (with red)

Blue

Cherokees: Defeat, trouble

Iran: Color of heaven and spirituality

Western: Depression, sadness, conservative, corporate, "something blue" bridal tradition

Purple:

Thailand: Color of mourning (widows)

Western: Royalty

White:

Japan: White carnation symbolizes death

Eastern: Funerals

Western: Brides, angels, good guys, hospitals, doctors, peace (white dove)

Black:

China: Color for young boys

Black is a multi-dimensional color that can mean classic or new.

It has an ominous charac-teristic, symbolizing death. Particularly Western cultures use black for funerals.

Black:

It has an air of intelligence (graduation robes), marked with rebellion (the bad guy), shrouded in mystery (space).

Black’s evil symbolism comple-ments the good in the world. Whatever the social, economic, political environment, black will always be a popular color in all industries.