How to Read for Symbolism

If you're taking a literature class, you might be asked to identify symbolism in your readings. Or maybe you're not a student, just an avid reader who wants more insight into an intriguing novel. Symbolism is using objects or images to...

Identifying Symbols as You Read and Take Notes

Read the passage carefully. Find a block of time when you'll be able to devote your attention to reading. You should also pick a comfy spot where you'll be able to focus, like your bedroom or a favorite coffee shop. When you're ready, take your time reading the chapter or poem that you're trying to analyze.^{[1] X Research source}
1. If the passage is pretty short, like a poem, you might decide to read it a few times before you start taking notes. If it's pretty long, like a novel, you're probably better off taking notes right from the start.
Jot down things that stand out to you. As you do your initial reading, make notes of anything that seems like a possible symbol. Make sure to notice anything that seems unusual, or seems like it might be important. If you're not sure you understand the point of an object, write it down anyway. You don't have to understand the meaning immediately.^{[2] X Research source}
1. For example, maybe you don't understand why the narrator of The Great Gatsby keeps mentioning the green light. Write it down and think about it later.
Make note of any words or ideas that are repeated. Authors often use repetition as a way to alert readers to important symbols. If you notice that you keep seeing something mentioned over and over, write that down on your list of possible symbols.^{[3] X Research source}
1. If you're looking for symbolism in the Harry Potter books, for instance, you'll notice that Harry's scar is mentioned a lot.
Write down images that the author emphasizes. If the author keeps vividly painting pictures of certain scenes, they might be using imagery as symbols. Pay close attention if the author carefully describes certain images or mentions them a lot.^{[4] X Research source}
1. In Wuthering Heights, Emily Bronte uses scenes from nature as symbols. For example, the trees symbolize the ever-changing nature of emotions.
Don't try to write down every detail of the text. If you've never tried reading for symbolism before, it might feel overwhelming. You might feel the need to keep track of everything that's mentioned, just in case it's a symbol. Don't worry, that's not necessary. Just pick out things that really strike you as interesting or important.^{[5] X Research source}
1. For example, if the narrator briefly mentions a cat, but then the cat is never mentioned again, it probably isn't a symbol.
Go over your notes to make sure they are clear. In your desire to take notes about lots of things, you might have accidentally written down something that seems incomplete or confusing. Before you start really trying to analyze the symbols, look through your notes again. If there's anything you need to adjust, take a little time to do that at this point.^{[6] X Trustworthy Source Purdue Online Writing Lab Trusted resource for writing and citation guidelines Go to source}
1. If you notice something confusing like simply, 'Red?', skim the reading to find whatever red item you noticed. Then make your notes about that a little more thorough.

Analyzing the Symbols

Make a list of common meanings for well-known symbols that appear. Many authors use common symbols so that they are easily recognized by the reader. Using your notes, put together a brief list of well-known symbols that you noticed when reading. Next to each one, write the possible meaning. Some examples of common symbols and their meanings are:^{[7] X Research source}
1. A cross is often representative of Christ or Christianity.
2. A dove is a common symbol of peace.
3. A bald eagle is used as a symbol of America and patriotism.
Note the characteristics of less-common symbols. If you think you've found a symbol that isn't one of the super common ones, pay attention to the details the author includes about it. They might be trying to make symbolism a little less obvious or more open to interpretation. Pay attention to things like:^{[8] X Research source}
1. Use of color. For example, red can mean love or passion, but it can also mean anger.
2. Use of light and dark. If the author keeps mentioning that things are happening in the dark or at night, they might be using that as a symbol of danger, for instance.
3. Use of unusual objects. Maybe the author keeps mentioning a book that is found in places where books aren't common. Pay attention to how the book is described to try to figure out the symbolism.
Think about context to better understand the symbol. Context can be anything that adds meaning and relevance to literature. Look for context clues that might be included in the description of something historical, cultural, or political to help you better understand what a potential symbol means.^{[9] X Research source}
1. For example, maybe an author is using the sea as a symbol and you're not quite sure what it means. Think about what you know about the character's background to find context. If they talk about happy memories sailing with their family, the sea might represent peace and tranquility. On the other hand, if the character has vivid memories of almost drowning, the sea could be a symbol of danger.
Decide on the most appropriate meaning of the symbol. Once you understand the context, you can determine what the symbol represents. In some cases, you might have discovered a meaning that differs from the common meaning. Don't worry about being wrong here. If you can justify your interpretation with some specific examples from the text, you might have still correctly identified the meaning.^{[10] X Research source}
1. For example, roses are common symbols of love and affection. But in The Hunger Games trilogy, Katniss feels threatened by flowers from President Snow. Throughout the books, she expresses fear whenever he sends her flowers. In this case, roses symbolize threats of violence.
Write your analysis following the guidelines you have. If you're analyzing symbols for a class, check the guidelines that your instructor gave you. If they haven't detailed the assignment, ask them to clarify their expectations. Then, write the paper according to those instructions.^{[11] X Research source}
1. Clearly describe each symbol and its meaning. For example, you might write, 'In the poem 'The Road Not Taken' by Robert Frost, two roads represent different choices that one can make in life.'