Symbolism

Definition

Symbolism is a literary device where symbols are used to represent ideas or concepts beyond their literal meaning. It adds deeper layers of meaning to a narrative, allowing readers to connect with themes and emotions on a more profound level. In various forms of prose fiction, symbolism serves to enrich character development, highlight themes, and create a more immersive reading experience.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In early novels, symbolism began to emerge as a technique to convey complex human experiences and societal critiques, allowing authors to explore deeper meanings in their narratives.
2. Charlotte Brontë's 'Jane Eyre' features significant symbols such as fire and ice, which represent passion and restraint, respectively, helping to illustrate Jane's emotional journey.
3. Fin de siècle fiction often used symbolism to reflect the anxieties of the time, with motifs like decay and beauty representing the tension between progress and nostalgia.
4. E.M. Forster's novels incorporate symbolism to highlight social themes, such as class struggle and personal identity, using objects and settings to enhance character insights.
5. Oscar Wilde's decadent novel style frequently employed symbolism as a means to challenge societal norms, utilizing aesthetic elements to provoke thought about morality and beauty.

Review Questions

• How does symbolism enhance the understanding of character motivations in 'Jane Eyre'?
  • 'Jane Eyre' employs symbolism effectively to deepen our understanding of Jane's motivations and struggles. For instance, the red room symbolizes her oppression and isolation in her childhood home, while later symbols like the burning Thornfield Hall represent her desire for freedom and passion. These symbols allow readers to see beyond Jane's actions and grasp her emotional landscape, making her journey more relatable and impactful.
• Analyze how symbolism in fin de siècle fiction reflects the cultural context of the period.
  • Symbolism in fin de siècle fiction serves as a reflection of the cultural anxieties and shifts occurring during that time. Writers utilized symbols like decay to evoke feelings of nostalgia for a seemingly lost past while simultaneously addressing the rapid changes brought about by modernity. This duality in symbolism illustrates the tension between embracing progress and longing for traditional values, capturing the essence of a society in flux.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of symbolism as a tool for social critique in E.M. Forster's works compared to those of Oscar Wilde.
  • Symbolism is a powerful tool for social critique in both E.M. Forster's and Oscar Wilde's works but is utilized differently based on their thematic focuses. Forster often uses symbolism to address class struggles and personal identity, employing everyday objects or settings that reveal deeper societal issues. In contrast, Wilde uses lavish symbols that embody aesthetic ideals, challenging societal norms around morality and beauty. Both authors effectively use symbolism to provoke thought about their respective social contexts but approach it from different angles—Forster through realism and Wilde through decadence.

Related terms

Motif: A recurring element, such as an image or theme, that has symbolic significance in a literary work.

Allegory:

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

Imagery: Descriptive language that evokes sensory experience and often carries symbolic meanings related to the themes of a text.