A symbol in literature is a sign of mystery
Very often, students in grades 5-7 ask the question: “A symbol in literature - what is it?” Don't panic. In our article, you will learn the definition of the term “symbol” and consider examples that will help you easily understand this definition.
Many definitions
Today in science there is not one, but several definitions of a symbol in literature. If a student needs to reveal a concept, then it is worth focusing on the one that will be most understandable to him. After all, in essence, they are no different from each other.
In any form of art, be it literature, painting or music, the symbol is very important. Each time the image is symbolic, its purpose is to depict the real picture of the world with the help of figurative meanings. Literary scholars note that in literary texts, symbolism lies in comparison, metaphors and even epithets.
So, a symbol in literature is a sign, an object or a sign that replaces another object and expresses its essence hidden from prying eyes. In addition, the symbol is a guide to the artistic world of the author who used this symbol.
Similarities with tropes
Many literary scholars believe that a symbol in literature is a trope. However, there are several opinions on this matter. For example, one of them is this: symbols are similar to tropes, especially with metaphor and comparison, but the semantic content of the symbol is deeper and more complete. The difference between a symbol and a metaphor is that a metaphor is created before the eyes of the reader. A symbol has the ability to enter into a metaphor. But this is optional. Unlike an allegory, a symbol can contain a plurality of images and meanings that are explained by context. Let's move from theory to specific examples.
Vivid examples
It's no secret that the heart is a symbol of love. We will now tell you what other symbols there are.
In any art there are clear and well-established symbols. One of them is black. It signifies sadness, loss and even death.
There are symbols in works of art. They were different in every era. A symbol in literature is a method of giving depth and expressiveness to an image; thanks to it, a variety of plans are connected: plot, mythological, historical, and so on.
A symbol in literature is (examples):
- dog - devotion;
- donkey - stubbornness;
- scepter - power;
- rose - femininity;
- lily - purity, innocence;
- lion - strength;
- mirror - the other world;
- the sun (according to Dostoevsky) is a symbol of life;
- candle - faith in God, divine power.
Symbols of light
Light in folk traditions is correlated with the luminary itself, the month, summer, warmth, and flowers. It symbolizes the beauty of life, embodies truth, righteousness, holiness and world order.
It symbolizes God's grace and turns away evil spirits from people. Solar (solar) symbols carry divine images and his powers. This is not surprising, because the sun was revered by our ancestors as a source of heat and life. The light in folklore was called clear, red, kind, etc. In various Slavic rituals, oaths were pronounced and promises were made in honor of the sun. The Slavs believed that the Sun is a symbol of the face or eye of God. They believed that the deity watches over man through the sun.
The moon is another celestial body that is associated in popular beliefs exclusively with the world of the dead. The Moon is opposed to the Sun - the deity of life, heat and light. All Slavs believed that moonlight was dangerous. This was especially true for newborn children and pregnant women, who were forbidden to enter the radiance of the Moon.
The prevalence of Moon cults is explained by the fact that this luminary was important during night hunting. It is also known that ancient people established the influence of the Moon on this, so for a very long time man believed that the Moon even controlled his destiny.
The moon symbolized chastity, indifference, variability and impermanence. However, the full moon is associated with a circle, that is, with a symbol of perfection and wholeness.
A candle is a spiritual image. The candle is most often depicted in the world of darkness and ignorance. It is one of the most important symbols of the Orthodox tradition. Symbolizes Christ, church, Grace, faith, memory and so on. In a private sense, a candle is associated with the loneliness and trepidation of the human soul, as well as the brevity of its earthly existence. It is not for nothing that a candle is lit when a person dies. Relatives with this ritual want to illuminate his path to the world of death.
Conclusion
Domestic philologist Sergei Averintsev believes that a symbol in literature is a category of aesthetics that is best amenable to disclosure.
The Soviet philosopher Alexei Losev suggested that a symbol is a principle for establishing patterns. Each symbol carries a special meaning. In literature and poetry, a symbol helps the reader understand the mysteries of the world, both in art and in reality.
In other words, a symbol in literature is an image that expresses the meaning of an object or phenomenon in a specific form.
