Symbols

Symbols & AllegorySymbols & Allegory

When is a cigar not a When is a cigar not a cigar?cigar?

Literary SymbolLiterary Symbol• Something that means more than

what it suggests on the surface. It may be an object, a person, a situation, an action, or some other element that has a literal meaning in the text but that suggests or represents other meanings as well.

What’s the Difference?What’s the Difference?• An image means what it is: “A

shaggy brown dog scratches his rough back with a scruffy paw.

• A metaphor means something other than what it is: “Some dirty dog stole my wallet”

• A symbol means what it is and something more as well.

How to Find a SymbolHow to Find a Symbol• The story itself must furnish clues that the

detail should be interpreted symbolically. Symbols nearly always signal their existence by emphasis, repetition, or position.– Miss Brill’s fur is referenced at the beginning,

middle, and end of the story. Repetition and positioning signal its importance as a symbol.

– The quilts in “Everyday Use” are emphasized by their importance to the central conflict.

How to Find a SymbolHow to Find a Symbol• The meaning of the symbol must be

established by the entire context of the story.– Symbols must fit all of the major details of

the story. If there is a significant event that doesn’t fit with our interpretation of a symbol, than we may not have fully explored the author’s intent.• Miss Brill’s fur does not represent insanity. This

does not fit with the tone and details of the story.

How to Find a SymbolHow to Find a Symbol• A symbol must suggest a meaning

different in kind from its literal meaning.– Miss Brill does not symbolize old women –

she is an old woman. However, her fur symbolizes the odd, lonely, person she is.

– Dee (Wangero) does not symbolize daughters – she is a daughter. However, her name might symbolize her rejection of her roots.

How to Find a SymbolHow to Find a Symbol• A symbol can have more than one

meaning.– As with many other aspects of literature,

a symbol can be interpreted in as many ways as a theme.

– The quilts in “Everyday Use” may represent inherited values, beauty of craftsmanship, the value of the past, etc.

How to Find a SymbolHow to Find a Symbol• Remember the Zebra Rule!

– Most elements in a text are literal because most texts operate on a literal level. Don’t look for zebras until you’ve ruled out the work horses of literature: imagery, figurative language, etc.

AllegoryAllegory• A narrative or description that has

a second meaning beneath the surface

What’s the Difference?What’s the Difference?– Unlike metaphor an allegory is a

system of related comparisons rather than one drawn out comparison.

– Unlike symbol an allegory puts less emphasis on the images and more on the ulterior meaning. Also, meaning tends to be fixed. There is a one to one relationship between detail and ulterior meaning.

Allegorical ExamplesAllegorical Examples• Pilgrim’s Progress

– Story of Christian’s journey through the wilderness. Each element represents the Christian journey through life.

• Animal Farm– Story of the animals revolt against the

oppression of the farmer. Each element represents an aspect of the Russian Revolution and eventual turn to a Communist government.