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Intro to Contemporary Literature
Table of Contents
Unit 6 Overview: Magical Realism & Surrealism in Literature
6.1 Blending of reality and fantasy
6.2 Mythical and folkloric elements
6.3 Dream-like and hallucinatory imagery
6.4 Symbolism and allegory
6.5 Latin American magical realism

Symbolism and allegory are powerful literary tools that add depth to stories. They use concrete elements to represent abstract ideas, but differ in scope. Symbolism employs individual symbols throughout a work, while allegory creates an overarching metaphorical framework.

Both devices allow authors to explore complex themes and convey deeper meanings. Symbolism offers more interpretive freedom, while allegory typically has a clearer message. Understanding these techniques enhances our appreciation of literature's layers and nuances.

Symbolism vs allegory

  • Symbolism and allegory are both literary devices that use figurative language to convey deeper meanings beyond the literal level of the text
  • While symbolism and allegory share similarities in representing abstract ideas through concrete elements, they differ in their scope and complexity

Definitions of symbolism and allegory

  • Symbolism refers to the use of symbols, or objects, characters, or events that represent abstract ideas or concepts beyond their literal meaning
  • Allegory is an extended metaphor in which characters, events, and settings consistently represent specific ideas or themes throughout the entire work
  • Symbolism operates on a smaller scale, with individual elements carrying symbolic meaning, while allegory functions as an overarching framework for the entire narrative

Key differences between symbolism and allegory

  • Symbols can be interpreted in multiple ways and often have ambiguous or complex meanings, while allegories typically have a clear and direct correspondence between the literal and figurative elements
  • Allegories are more didactic in nature, often conveying moral or political messages, while symbolism allows for more open-ended interpretations
  • Symbols can appear sporadically throughout a work, while allegories maintain a consistent parallel between the literal and figurative levels of meaning from beginning to end

Symbolism in literature

  • Symbolism is a powerful tool for writers to add depth and layers of meaning to their works by using concrete elements to represent abstract ideas, emotions, or concepts
  • Symbols can be found in various aspects of a literary work, including objects, characters, settings, colors, and actions

Use of objects as symbols

  • Everyday objects can take on symbolic meanings that extend beyond their literal function (rose symbolizing love, hourglass representing the passage of time)
  • The repetition and emphasis placed on certain objects throughout a work can signal their symbolic importance
  • Objects can symbolize characters' inner states, foreshadow events, or represent larger themes within the narrative

Use of characters as symbols

  • Characters can embody abstract qualities, ideas, or groups beyond their individual identities (Christ figure, Everyman)
  • Symbolic characters often have names, occupations, or physical attributes that reinforce their representational meaning
  • Actions or decisions made by symbolic characters can reflect larger philosophical, moral, or social issues being explored in the work

Use of settings as symbols

  • Settings can represent states of mind, social conditions, or philosophical concepts (wasteland as a symbol of spiritual emptiness, island as a symbol of isolation)
  • Descriptions of settings can include symbolic elements that contribute to the overall mood or theme of the work (weather, seasons, landscapes)
  • Changes in settings can parallel characters' emotional or psychological journeys, reflecting their internal transformations

Common symbols and their meanings

  • Colors often carry symbolic associations (white for purity, black for death or evil, red for passion or danger)
  • Animals can symbolize human traits or universal concepts (dove for peace, snake for temptation or deception, lion for courage or royalty)
  • Natural elements can represent emotional states or spiritual concepts (water for cleansing or rebirth, fire for destruction or passion, sun for enlightenment or vitality)
    • Light and darkness are frequently used to symbolize knowledge and ignorance, good and evil, or hope and despair

Allegory in literature

  • Allegory is a narrative technique in which the entire story, including its characters, events, and settings, represents abstract ideas or moral, political, or religious concepts
  • Allegories often have a didactic purpose, aiming to teach a lesson or convey a message through the parallel between the literal and figurative elements of the story

Allegorical characters

  • Characters in an allegory are personifications of abstract qualities, ideas, or groups (Virtue, Vice, Church, State)
  • Allegorical characters are often flat and lack individual complexity, as they primarily serve to represent the concepts they embody
  • Interactions between allegorical characters reflect the relationships or conflicts between the ideas they represent

Allegorical plots and themes

  • The plot of an allegory is structured around the development and resolution of the central metaphorical concept
  • Events in the narrative correspond to the progression of ideas or the evolution of the allegorical theme
  • The resolution of the plot often conveys a moral lesson or philosophical truth related to the allegorical theme

Famous examples of allegory

  • Plato's "Allegory of the Cave" represents the journey from ignorance to enlightenment and the nature of reality
  • John Bunyan's "The Pilgrim's Progress" depicts the spiritual journey of the Christian soul through the challenges and temptations of life
  • George Orwell's "Animal Farm" uses a story of a farm rebellion to critique the Russian Revolution and the dangers of totalitarianism
  • Aesop's fables, such as "The Tortoise and the Hare," use animal characters to convey moral lessons about human behavior and values

Interpreting symbolic and allegorical meaning

  • Recognizing and interpreting symbolism and allegory requires close reading and attention to patterns, repetition, and context within the work
  • Analyzing symbolic and allegorical elements can deepen the reader's understanding of the text's themes, characters, and overall meaning

Identifying symbols and allegories

  • Look for objects, characters, or settings that are emphasized or repeated throughout the work, as this may indicate their symbolic importance
  • Consider how certain elements of the story connect to abstract ideas, emotions, or concepts beyond their literal meaning
  • Identify consistent patterns or parallels between the literal narrative and a larger metaphorical framework, which may suggest an allegorical reading

Analyzing symbolic and allegorical elements

  • Examine the context in which symbols appear and how they relate to characters, events, or themes in the work
  • Consider the traditional or cultural associations of symbols and how they contribute to the work's meaning
  • Analyze how the relationships and conflicts between allegorical characters or elements reflect larger philosophical, moral, or political ideas

Multiple interpretations of symbols and allegories

  • Symbols can often have multiple or ambiguous meanings, allowing for various interpretations depending on the reader's perspective and the work's context
  • Different readers may focus on different aspects of an allegory, leading to varying interpretations of its central message or theme
  • The openness of symbols and allegories to multiple interpretations can enrich the reading experience and encourage critical thinking and discussion

Symbolism and allegory in different genres

  • Symbolism and allegory are versatile literary devices that can be found across various genres, each with its own unique conventions and opportunities for figurative expression

Symbolism and allegory in poetry

  • Poets often use symbolism to convey complex emotions or ideas through concise and evocative language
  • Symbols in poetry can be personal to the poet or draw upon universal archetypes and associations
  • Allegorical poems may use extended metaphors to explore philosophical or spiritual themes (e.g., the journey of the soul, the nature of love)

Symbolism and allegory in short stories

  • Short stories can employ symbolism to create a sense of unity and convey significant meaning within a limited space
  • Symbols in short stories often connect to the central theme or conflict and can provide insight into characters' motivations or emotional states
  • Allegorical short stories may use a simplified narrative structure to convey a moral lesson or social commentary

Symbolism and allegory in novels

  • Novels provide a broader canvas for the development and exploration of symbols and allegories
  • Symbols in novels can evolve and accumulate meaning over the course of the narrative, contributing to character development and thematic complexity
  • Allegorical novels can sustain an extended metaphor throughout the work, allowing for a more comprehensive examination of the central ideas or concepts

Symbolism and allegory in plays

  • Symbolism in plays can be conveyed through dialogue, stage directions, props, and visual elements of the production
  • Symbols in plays can help to establish the mood, foreshadow events, or reveal characters' inner states
  • Allegorical plays may use archetypal characters or simplified plots to convey moral or political messages to the audience

Symbolism and allegory across literary periods

  • The use of symbolism and allegory has evolved throughout literary history, reflecting the cultural, intellectual, and artistic concerns of different eras

Symbolism and allegory in classic literature

  • Classic works often drew upon well-established symbolic traditions and mythological or religious allegories (e.g., the hero's journey, the battle between good and evil)
  • Symbols in classic literature often connected to universal human experiences or moral truths
  • Allegories in classic literature were often used to convey philosophical or religious ideas in an accessible and engaging form (e.g., Dante's "Divine Comedy")

Symbolism and allegory in modern literature

  • Modern authors experimented with new and unconventional symbols to capture the complexities of the modern world and the individual psyche
  • Symbols in modern literature often reflected the fragmentation, alienation, and uncertainty of the era (e.g., the wasteland, the void)
  • Allegories in modern literature sometimes subverted traditional forms to critique social or political systems (e.g., Kafka's "The Metamorphosis")

Symbolism and allegory in postmodern literature

  • Postmodern writers often use symbolism and allegory ironically or self-reflexively, calling attention to the artificiality of literary conventions
  • Symbols in postmodern literature may be unstable, ambiguous, or contradictory, reflecting the relativism and skepticism of the era
  • Allegories in postmodern literature may deconstruct or parody traditional allegorical forms to challenge grand narratives or ideologies (e.g., Pynchon's "The Crying of Lot 49")

Writing about symbolism and allegory

  • Analyzing and writing about symbolism and allegory requires close reading, critical thinking, and the ability to articulate complex ideas in a clear and persuasive manner

Developing a thesis about symbolism or allegory

  • Identify a significant symbol or allegorical element in the work and consider its potential meanings and implications
  • Formulate a thesis statement that makes a specific, arguable claim about the function or significance of the symbol or allegory within the work
  • Consider how the symbol or allegory relates to the work's themes, characters, or historical and cultural context

Using textual evidence to support interpretations

  • Closely examine the passages in which the symbol or allegorical element appears, noting its description, context, and any patterns or repetitions
  • Analyze how the symbol or allegory is developed throughout the work and how it connects to other elements of the text
  • Use specific quotes and examples from the text to support your interpretation and illustrate your points

Comparing symbolism and allegory across texts

  • Consider how different authors use symbolism or allegory to explore similar themes or ideas across various works
  • Analyze how the cultural, historical, or genre contexts of the works influence the use and interpretation of symbols or allegories
  • Compare and contrast the effectiveness or implications of the symbolic or allegorical elements in each work, considering their impact on the reader and their contribution to the overall meaning of the text

Key Terms to Review (20)

Symbolism: Symbolism is the use of symbols to represent ideas, qualities, or concepts beyond their literal meaning. It often adds depth and layers of meaning to a narrative, allowing readers to explore complex themes and emotions through the lens of tangible representations. By linking abstract ideas to concrete images or elements, symbolism enriches the reader's understanding of various subjects like identity, societal issues, and human experiences.
Metaphor: A metaphor is a figure of speech that makes a direct comparison between two unlike things, suggesting that one thing is another to illustrate a point or to create an image in the reader's mind. This literary device often conveys deeper meanings and emotions, connecting concepts in creative ways. Metaphors can help express complex ideas, especially when exploring themes related to identity, culture, and societal issues.
Textual analysis: Textual analysis is the process of examining and interpreting the content, structure, and meaning of a text to understand its deeper significance and themes. This approach involves analyzing language, symbols, and literary devices to uncover how they contribute to the overall message or purpose of the work. Through this detailed examination, one can explore how elements like symbolism and allegory operate within a text to convey complex ideas and emotions.
Close reading: Close reading is a critical reading technique that emphasizes careful, detailed analysis of a text to uncover deeper meanings and nuances. This approach requires readers to pay attention to language, structure, and various literary devices, allowing for the exploration of symbolism and allegory that may be embedded within the work.
Personification: Personification is a literary device where human qualities or attributes are given to non-human entities, such as animals, objects, or abstract concepts. This technique allows writers to create vivid imagery and emotional connections, enhancing the reader's experience by making the non-human more relatable and engaging. Through personification, authors can convey complex ideas and emotions in a more approachable manner.
Allegorical Hero: An allegorical hero is a character in literature who embodies a particular idea, concept, or moral quality, often representing broader themes and messages within a narrative. These heroes often face trials and challenges that symbolize larger human experiences, and their journeys are designed to convey moral lessons or social critiques that resonate with readers on multiple levels.
Ambivalence: Ambivalence refers to the coexistence of opposing feelings or attitudes towards a particular object, person, or situation. It captures the complexity of human emotions, where individuals can simultaneously experience conflicting desires or beliefs, creating a sense of uncertainty or indecision.
Semiotics: Semiotics is the study of signs and symbols, their use and interpretation. It explores how meaning is created and communicated through various forms, including language, images, gestures, and objects. By analyzing the relationship between signifiers (the form of a sign) and the signified (the concept it represents), semiotics reveals how symbolism and allegory operate within texts and other cultural expressions.
The Pilgrim's Progress as a Religious Allegory: The Pilgrim's Progress is a Christian allegory written by John Bunyan that depicts the journey of a character named Christian as he travels from the City of Destruction to the Celestial City. This work is rich in symbolism, representing the spiritual journey of believers navigating life’s challenges and temptations while striving for salvation and eternal life.
Iconography: Iconography is the study and interpretation of symbols and images within art and literature, serving to convey deeper meanings and narratives. It allows creators to express complex ideas through visual representations, providing insight into cultural values, beliefs, and themes that resonate across different forms of media. This concept is essential in understanding symbolism and allegory, as well as graphic adaptations that transform literary works into visual forms.
The Green Light: The green light in 'The Great Gatsby' symbolizes Gatsby's unattainable dreams and the broader theme of the American Dream. It represents hope and aspiration, serving as a distant goal that Gatsby strives to reach, reflecting the elusive nature of success and happiness in American society during the 1920s.
Symbolic representation: Symbolic representation refers to the use of symbols to convey deeper meanings, ideas, or concepts that go beyond their literal interpretation. It plays a crucial role in literature, where objects, characters, or events often symbolize larger themes or messages, allowing readers to engage with the text on multiple levels and encouraging critical thinking about underlying meanings.
Northrop Frye: Northrop Frye was a Canadian literary critic and theorist known for his work on the role of myth and archetypes in literature. His ideas emphasize how literature can be understood through a structural framework, suggesting that works can be categorized based on recurring patterns and symbols that reflect human experience. This approach connects deeply with themes of symbolism and allegory, highlighting how narratives can convey complex meanings through representative figures and imagery.
The conch shell: The conch shell in 'Lord of the Flies' serves as a powerful symbol of civilization and order among the boys stranded on the island. Initially, it represents democratic power, authority, and the structured communication necessary for society to function. As the story progresses, the conch's influence diminishes, mirroring the boys' descent into chaos and savagery.
Animal Farm as an Allegory for the Russian Revolution: Animal Farm is a political allegory that uses a farm and its animal inhabitants to symbolize the events leading up to and following the Russian Revolution of 1917. Through the characters and their actions, the story critiques the rise of totalitarianism and illustrates how revolutionary ideals can be corrupted by those in power, reflecting the broader themes of propaganda and betrayal that characterized the period.
Polysemy: Polysemy refers to the phenomenon where a single word or phrase has multiple meanings or interpretations. This characteristic is crucial in understanding how language operates, as it highlights the fluidity and richness of meaning in communication. The implications of polysemy extend to various areas, such as interpretation in texts and how symbolism can convey deeper layers of meaning.
Jacques Derrida: Jacques Derrida was a French philosopher best known for developing deconstruction, a critical approach that challenges the traditional assumptions about language, meaning, and interpretation. His work is foundational to poststructuralism, arguing that texts do not have fixed meanings but are open to multiple interpretations influenced by context and cultural factors. This perspective reshapes the understanding of symbolism and allegory in literature, revealing the complexities and contradictions inherent in textual analysis.
Romanticism: Romanticism is an artistic and intellectual movement that emerged in the late 18th century, emphasizing emotion, individualism, and the glorification of nature. It often contrasts with the rationalism of the Enlightenment, highlighting the importance of personal experience and imagination over reason. This movement not only focuses on the beauty and power of nature but also explores themes of self-discovery, societal ideals, and the human experience, often using irony, symbolism, and allegory to convey deeper meanings.
Postmodernism: Postmodernism is a literary and cultural movement that emerged in the mid-20th century, characterized by a general skepticism toward grand narratives and ideologies, embracing fragmentation, playfulness, and self-referentiality. This approach often breaks down traditional forms and structures in literature and art, leading to diverse styles and an exploration of meaning in a complex, globalized world.
Allegory: An allegory is a narrative technique where characters, events, and details represent abstract ideas or moral qualities, conveying deeper meanings beyond the literal level. Allegories are often used to critique societal structures, express philosophical concepts, or explore moral dilemmas, making them a powerful tool for storytelling. This technique allows writers to convey complex themes through relatable characters and situations, resonating with readers on multiple levels.