Symbolism is the use of symbols to signify ideas and qualities, by giving them symbolic meanings that are different from their literal sense. Symbolism can take the form of words, images, or gestures that carry particular meanings and evoke certain emotions. This article will explore the definition of symbolism, different types of symbolism, and examples of symbolism from literature and everyday life.
Symbolism is the practice of using symbols to represent abstract ideas or emotions. Symbols can be physical objects, words, phrases, colors, or any visual element that has a symbolic interpretation. Symbolism can be used to communicate subtle messages, evoke powerful feelings, or even create entire stories.
The use of symbolism has been around since ancient times, when communities would use physical objects to represent things like gods and goddesses, animals, or plants. Ancient cultures such as the Sumerians, Egyptians, Chinese, and Indians all had their own unique symbolic language. As time went on, these symbolic objects began to be used for more abstract concepts such as love, joy, or sorrow.
Over the years, symbolism has evolved to encompass more modern interpretations. Symbols may now be used to represent political views, religious beliefs, or even individual personalities. Moreover, they can be used as a form of art or expression of emotion, allowing us to explore deeper meanings and insights. Symbolism is a powerful form of communication, and it can often be an incredibly effective way to convey complex ideas.
There are many different types of symbolism that can be used in literature and other forms of art. One type of symbolism is the use of colors to represent certain themes or ideas. The colors red, blue, yellow, and green often represent different emotions such as love, fear, joy, and peace. Other colors also have symbolic meanings such as white representing purity or black representing death or despair.
Another type of symbolism is the use of animals in stories to represent certain characters and their personalities. For example, a lion may symbolize courage and strength or a dove may symbolize peace and innocence. Symbols can also be used to represent the struggle or journey of a protagonist. For example, a ship could represent the journey of a character from one place to another.
One of the most common types of symbolism is the use of objects and items to represent abstract ideas or concepts. Objects such as a lamp or a cross can be used to symbolize hope, enlightenment, and faith. Similarly, a stormy sky could represent danger and instability. Through these symbols, authors can convey deeper meaning and emotion to the audience.
Symbolism is an essential part of many stories, films, poems and other forms of art. Examples of symbolism can be found all around us and come in many forms. One example of symbolism is the classic archetype of the ‘hero’s journey’. This motif features heavily in many modern films, including The Matrix and Star Wars, but is also a recurring theme in many ancient works such as Homer’s Odyssey and the Epic of Gilgamesh.
The archetypal hero’s journey symbolises the human experience of overcoming obstacles and adversity, and ultimately evolving into a better version of ourselves. It is a timeless metaphor for personal growth that resonates deeply with many viewers.
Another well-known example of symbolism is the use of colours. Red is often used to depict love and passion, while blue is associated with calm and serenity. In films, these colours are often used to tell a story and evoke emotions. For example, in the movie The Godfather Part II, red is used densely in the scenes featuring Michael Corleone’s family, to signify the passionate yet tumultuous relationships between their members. Blue, on the other hand, is used in outdoor scenes to signify peace and tranquility, as the family’s struggles take place on the background of peaceful countryside.