Symbolism (arts) - Foundations of Symbolism

Understanding Symbolism in Literature and Art Introduction Symbolism is a fundamental concept in studying literature, art, and poetry. Understanding how symbols work—both as individual elements and as a broader artistic practice—will help you analyze texts more deeply and recognize meaning beyond what's explicitly stated on the page. This guide breaks down what symbols are, how they're created and interpreted, and the terminology used to discuss symbols across different artistic forms. What Is a Symbol? At its core, a symbol is something concrete and tangible that represents something abstract. Think of it this way: a symbol is always a real, identifiable element—an object you can point to, a character you can describe, an image you can visualize, a situation that unfolds, or an action that occurs. However, what makes something a symbol is that it points beyond itself to deeper, less obvious meanings or ideas. For example, a dove is a concrete bird, but in literature and art it symbolizes peace or purity. A red rose is a flower, but it can symbolize love or passion. A character's journey through a storm might symbolize their internal struggle or emotional turmoil. In each case, the literal thing (the dove, the rose, the storm) suggests a broader, more abstract idea. The key insight here is that a symbol operates on two levels: the literal level (what it actually is) and the symbolic level (what it represents or suggests). Symbolism as an Artistic Practice When artists deliberately use symbols in their work, this broader practice is called symbolism. Symbolism isn't just about individual symbols—it's about the intentional, systematic use of concrete elements to convey abstract meaning. In literature specifically, symbolism is particularly rich and complex because writing itself is already a system of symbols. Letters form words, words form sentences, and sentences form meaning. But beyond this linguistic foundation, writers layer additional symbolic meaning into their narratives, character choices, settings, and imagery. This creates multiple layers of meaning that readers can explore and interpret. The practice of symbolism allows artists and writers to communicate complex, abstract ideas indirectly. Rather than stating an idea directly ("this character is struggling with guilt"), a writer might show that struggle through symbolic actions, objects, or recurring images. This indirect approach often feels more powerful and memorable to audiences. How Symbols Are Created and Interpreted Understanding where symbols come from is important: there are two main pathways through which something becomes symbolic. Intentional Symbolism occurs when an artist deliberately embeds symbols into their work as a conscious narrative device. The author or artist has planned these symbols and uses them strategically to develop themes and deepen meaning. When you study a text and discover intentional symbols, you're uncovering the artist's deliberate choices. Assigned Symbolism occurs when audiences or scholarly consensus assigns symbolic meaning to elements after the work has been created—meaning the artist may not have explicitly intended. Over time, as readers discuss and analyze a work, certain images or elements may come to be widely recognized as symbolic. This doesn't make the symbolism less valid; it simply shows that meaning can be collectively constructed through interpretation. Both pathways are valid and important for understanding how symbolic meaning develops. When you're analyzing a text, you might find symbols that you believe were intentionally placed by the author, and you might also discover symbolism that has emerged through critical tradition and scholarly discussion. Terminology: Symbols Across Different Genres As you study different artistic forms, you'll encounter slightly different terms for symbols depending on the medium: Visual symbol: A symbol used in visual art, such as paintings, drawings, photography, or sculpture. These symbols operate primarily through images and spatial composition. Literary symbol: A symbol used in written works, particularly prose fiction and narrative. These symbols work through language, character development, plot, and setting. Poetic symbol: A symbol used in poetry. While poetic symbols are technically literary symbols, poetry uses symbolism in particularly concentrated and imagistic ways, often relying on compression and suggestion. These terms are essentially pointing to the same concept—symbols that convey abstract meaning—but adapted for different artistic media. Understanding which term applies helps you remember that symbols operate somewhat differently depending on whether you're reading a novel, viewing a painting, or studying a poem. A novel might develop a symbol gradually across hundreds of pages, while a poem might pack symbolic weight into a single vivid image.