Symbolism

Definition

Symbolism is the use of symbols to represent ideas, themes, or concepts beyond their literal meaning. In literature, it serves as a powerful tool to convey deeper meanings and enhance emotional resonance, helping to connect readers with complex themes and emotions through recognizable imagery and associations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In medieval literature, symbolism often appears in the form of colors, objects, or characters that represent larger ideas, like virtue or vice.
2. Romantic narratives frequently employ symbols to reflect the inner journeys of characters, making their quests resonate on a more profound level.
3. In Arthurian legends, symbols like the Holy Grail not only serve as physical objects but also embody themes of purity and spiritual quest.
4. Allegorical techniques leverage symbolism to express moral lessons in stories, making abstract ideas accessible and engaging for readers.
5. Dream visions use symbols to explore subconscious themes, where elements like landscapes or figures can represent personal struggles or societal critiques.

Review Questions

• How does symbolism enhance the emotional impact of characters' journeys in medieval literature?
  • Symbolism enhances the emotional impact by allowing readers to connect with characters on a deeper level. For example, when a character encounters a symbolic object like a sword representing honor or betrayal, it evokes feelings related to their internal struggle. This use of symbols creates an immersive experience that encourages readers to reflect on their own understanding of honor and morality through the lens of the character's journey.
• Analyze the significance of specific symbols used in Arthurian legends and how they contribute to overarching themes within the narratives.
  • Specific symbols in Arthurian legends, such as Excalibur and the Round Table, serve critical roles in conveying themes of power, unity, and chivalry. Excalibur represents rightful kingship and divine favor, while the Round Table symbolizes equality among knights. These symbols help to articulate the complexities of leadership and camaraderie in a time marked by conflict and ambition, deepening the narrative's exploration of what it means to be noble.
• Evaluate how symbolism in morality plays informs audiences about ethical dilemmas faced by individuals in medieval society.
  • In morality plays, symbolism is crucial for illustrating ethical dilemmas faced by characters who often personify virtues and vices. For instance, figures such as Everyman must confront personifications of Death and Good Deeds, which symbolize universal truths about mortality and moral integrity. By using these symbols effectively, the plays engage audiences with relevant moral questions and provide a reflection on their own lives within the social context of medieval society.

Related terms

Metaphor: A figure of speech that makes a comparison between two unlike things without using 'like' or 'as,' often revealing hidden similarities.

Allegory:

A narrative in which characters and events symbolize broader concepts and ideas, often conveying moral, ethical, or political messages.

Imagery: Descriptive language that appeals to the senses, creating vivid pictures in the reader's mind and often conveying deeper meanings or emotions.