Symbolism is not my strong-suit (apparently alliteration is, I can't stop myself... Alliteration: Why I Love It).
I enjoy good symbolism in literature. Here is a fine dictionary definition:
In writing, symbolism is the use of a word, a phrase, or a description, which represents a deeper meaning than the words themselves. This kind of extension of meaning can transform the written word into a very powerful instrument.Indeed it can, but I suck at symbolism. At writing it. And sometimes at interpreting it. There are times when I don't get the cryptic references authors work into their stories. If the symbolism is fairly common, I'm on it. But if the representation is too subtle or vague it can pass right over my head.
In a writing group, we recently studied Kate Braverman's: Tall Tales from the Mekong Delta. It's a captivating and odd short story. After discussion, we determined that an entire character (one of only two) is symbolic. He (oops, I gave it away) isn't a real person but rather represents something else entirely. Bravo Kate.
Another example, I'm currently reading The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein (love it!). I'm trying to figure out what the stuffed zebra symbolizes. His meaning and purpose are not clear to me yet.
So what I'm saying is: I am no good at working good symbolism into my fiction. This is an area where I need to grow as a writer. Can you help?
What are your favorite examples of symbolism in literature? If you're a fiction writer, do you work symbolism into your stories? Any tips, suggestions, observations?
Dang it! I commented a few minutes ago, but got an error message. Basically, I said that I don't have any advice to offer because I tend to write stuff that's similar to what I most enjoy reading--straightforward, comfortable prose that's almost conversational in style. Laziness? Quite possibly. ;O)
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My “R” Post
I love symbolism a little too much. My first book had a Christ symbol in it, which I don't think anyone picked up on but me.
ReplyDeleteI don't believe I'm very good at symbolism either, Langely. But you raise awareness of the subject and through your post attempt to further our education about it; thus awakening a renewed interest in all meaningful things. Thanks for that :)
ReplyDeleteI'm not good on symbolism and, to be honest, I haven't felt the need to work it into my stories. But thanks for making me think about it! :-)
ReplyDeleteI also haven't used it in my writing, but that doesn't mean I wouldn't like to. Sometimes I think we may do it sub-consciously: we have an idea or image in our minds and we might personalize it. Because it is in our minds I think that's why it's difficult to others to interpret and is mostly found in literary fiction. Good post because it provides food for thought.
ReplyDeleteI rely on my instincts to work in the symbolism, and if it doesn't I blame my subconscious (bad subconscious!). I have very little to do wih it.
ReplyDeleteI can see what you're saying. Although I think symbolism, metaphor and simile are related, symbolism is the most mature of the three.
ReplyDeleteHmm.. hard to think of a favorite! :)
ReplyDeleteSymbolism is hard for me to deal with when writing too.
ReplyDeleteI love reading and writing symbolism. Sometimes when I right it though, I think I may be the only that gets it. XD
ReplyDeleteSymbolism... I'm drawing a blank on if I pick up on it in reading, if I use it. I guess I just haven't given it much thought.
ReplyDeleteI love discovering symbolism in writing and deconstructing theme. I find it a lot harder to it on purpose in my own stories, although sometimes it happens accidentally.
ReplyDeletePg. 19 of my memoir, Bad Girl Gone Mom. "I felt as if I was the bag of raw meat, cast into the sink, bloody and staining everything in its path."
ReplyDeleteThis passage represents how I felt after I got kicked out of my parents house at 16. I was trying to ask them to let me come home a year and a half later, and they said no. They told me I had to stop drinking and drugging first; I had hurt them and was continuing to hurt myself. Everywhere I went, I was leaving a trail of wounds.
I don't know how good or bad it is, but I think it did the job for that section. Thanks for reminding me of this tool. I forget about it often.
I love symbolism. I use it from time to time in my work.
ReplyDeleteOnce, back in college, I wrote a story about a girl who was dying from a heart condition. My prof went nuts over the brilliant symbolism of her condition. I was like, "I just picked that because everyone else was writing about cancer." He was crushed.
:)
ReplyDeleteI've tried so hard to master symbolism in poetry and just can't do it.
ReplyDeleteI suck at symbolism. I'm too straight forward and to the point, I guess. =D
ReplyDeleteSymbolisms always add depth to a novel, I think. :P great post!.
ReplyDeleteGreat meeting you through the A-Z!
nutschell
www.thewritingnut.com
I'm not the greatest at symbolism either, but if you want to become really good at interpreting, I would suggest studying mythology for starters. Please find my A-Z Challenge here: http://myheartblogstoyou.blogspot.com/
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