Definition of Symbolism
Symbolism is a literary device that refers to the use of symbols in a literary
work. A symbol is something that stands for or suggests something else; it
represents something beyond literal meaning. In literature, a symbol can be a
word, object, action, character, or concept that embodies and evokes a range
of additional meaning and significance.
Types of Symbolism and Their Effects
Writers utilize many types of symbolism, both as a way to convey meaning to
their overall readership and as a method of allowing individual readers to
make their own interpretations and discover meaning. In addition, different
types of symbols create different effects for readers, though the overall goal of
symbolism as a literary device is to enhance the reader’s experience with
literature.
Here are some examples of types of symbolism and their effects:
● emotion: symbols often evoke emotional responses in readers, allowing
them to invest in the plot and characters. This emotional effect of
symbolism also creates a lasting impression for the reader of the literary
work.
● Imagery: symbols can create imagery and provide visual elements that
allow readers to understand complex literary themes. This also has a
beneficial effect for writers so that they don’t feel an overreliance on
language to explain their intended meaning.
● thematic connection: symbols can connect themes for readers within
a single literary work and across literature itself. This allows for greater
understanding of literature as an art form.
● Character attributes: symbols can represent different attributes of
characters, both in a literal and figurative sense. This has an effect for
readers in that they can identify character traits and understand their
actions based on symbolism in the literary work.
● deeper meaning: symbolism also allows writers to convey deeper
meaning in their work for the reader. This creates a layered effect of
understanding so that different readers can find their own individual
significance in a literary work, and individual readers can find different
levels of significance with each exposure to the literary work.
1. My Heart Leaps Up When I Behold by William Wordsworth
In William Wordsworth's poem, we see sparks of hope. When he sees a
rainbow in the sky, it's not merely a beautiful sight to behold. It also
symbolizes his childish wonder. Wordsworth maintains a large part of his
childish wonder by remaining in awe of the beauty of nature (and encourages
his audience to do the same).
2. To the Moon by Percy Bysshe Shelley
In this poem by Percy Bysshe Shelley, the moon symbolizes loneliness and
unrequited love. In fact, Shelley describes it as "wandering companionless."
How sad. Notice the tone of some of the other words below, like "weariness"
and "joyless." They align well with the symbolism invoked by a lonely moon.
3. XXIII: Crossing Alone the Nighted Ferry by A. E. Housman
In Alfred Edward Housman's famous poem, the ferry symbolizes death. Notice
the narrator is alone on a nighted ferry; it aligns rather well with thoughts of
death and dying. The final two words also align with the theme, indicating the
narrator won't be found when the ship docks in the wharf.
In a deeper sense, this poem is also a nod to Greek mythology. You had to pay
a coin (this is why Ancient Greeks put coins on the eyes of the deceased) to
Charon, the ferryman, to take you across the river from Styx to Hades.
Charon's job was to carry the souls of the newly deceased to the land of the
dead.
4. His Confession by The Archpoet
The Archpoet uses a withered leaf in this poem to symbolize aging. We're
reminded of our elemental nature and the fact that, in the end, our bodies
break down to a point where we're no stronger than a withered leaf.
5. A Light Exists in Spring by Emily Dickinson
Symbols for hope and happiness are usually easy to pick up. You enjoyed
visions of rainbows in Wordsworth's poem, now Emily Dickinson will use light
in a similar fashion in her poem "A Light Exists in Spring." This, too, is a viable
symbol for the representation of happiness and hope.
6. Directive by Robert Frost
In this poem, Robert Frost is discussing Christianity. The house of make-
believe is a symbol of religion. It's a rather harsh symbol, too, when you
consider he's comparing believers to children in a house of make-believe.
Later in the poem, the narrator tells us he stole the goblet from the children's
house. This symbolizes his rejection of faith, which is rather apparent by his
scorching comparisons to a house of make-believe.
7. Ah Sunflower by William Blake
To no surprise, you come upon another poem that links nature and humanity.
Romantic-era poet William Blake uses sunflowers to represent people. People
sometimes grow weary as life carries on. Blake also uses the sun to
symbolize life. Weary sunflowers count the steps to the sun. Or, weary people
march their way to the end of their lives.
8. London by William Blake
Fortunately, not all of Blake's poems were bleak. It just so happens that two of
his finest examples of symbolism come from rather dreary pieces. In
"London," Blake offers a morose glimpse into London life during his time. He
conveys his message without directly pointing any fingers. Notice how he
uses "chimney sweepers" to refer to child labor, "palace walls" to refer to the
monarchy and "charter'd" streets and rivers to refer to the power of chartered
banks and investment firms over the common people.
9. The Spring Is Passing by Matsuo Basho
Typically, haiku poems are full of symbolism. This makes sense since the
writer must convey a lot in few words. Explore this famous haiku by Matsuo
Basho, where the spring passing symbolizes the passing of life.
10. A Red, Red Rose by Robert Burns
When it comes to symbolism examples in poetry, roses are commonly a
symbol of love and romance. You can see this through the lines of Robert
Burns's love poem. The red rose symbolizes love, while the melody
symbolizes the beauty and grace of his lover.
