Symbol types

Duality and contrast

MYP English Lang & Lit Symbol Types Notes

Why Are Symbols So Effective At Conveying Meaning?

Definition

Symbol

An object, image, color, setting detail, or action that stands for something beyond its literal meaning, often an abstract idea such as peace, life, or death.

A single object (a dove), a color (red), or a setting detail (winter) is often used by author's to guide the reader toward an attitude, a message, or a judgement.

Think about them as visual shortcuts that tap into our shared human experience.

Because we all live in the same physical world, we instinctively associate certain objects or colors with specific feelings or ideas without being taught.

Definition

Connotation

A **connotation** is the set of feelings and associations a word or image carries (for example, honey may suggest sweetness and warmth).

Tip

Note

In literature, especially poetry, symbols often overlap with other literary devices:
- A metaphor says one thing is another (inviting symbolic thinking).
- Personification gives human traits to objects or ideas, often making them feel like forces or characters.
- Imagery (the pictures created by language) frequently carries symbolic weight.

What Are Some Conventional Symbols That Use Shared Cultural Meanings?

Some symbols are widely recognised because many people in a culture have learned similar associations.

These are often called conventional or cultural symbols.

These include:

A dove representing peace
Water representing life
White suggesting purity
Black suggesting death or evil

Because these meanings are widely shared, conventional symbols can communicate quickly.

Tip

However, writers may also challenge or invert conventional meanings.
For example, using "white" to suggest emptiness rather than purity.

How Do Natural And Cyclical Symbols Use Seasons, Landscapes, And Life Cycles?

Many texts use nature to represent human experience.

These natural symbols feel intuitive because they connect to cycles we observe.

Common patterns include:

Spring suggesting new life, beginnings, hope
Winter suggesting old age, endings, decline, death
Roads, rivers, forests, and weather reflecting emotional or moral conditions

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Note

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Tip

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MYP English Lang & Lit Symbol Types Notes

Why Are Symbols So Effective At Conveying Meaning?

What Are Some Conventional Symbols That Use Shared Cultural Meanings?

How Do Natural And Cyclical Symbols Use Seasons, Landscapes, And Life Cycles?

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Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit

Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident

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Why Are Symbols So Effective At Conveying Meaning?

What Are Some Conventional Symbols That Use Shared Cultural Meanings?

How Do Natural And Cyclical Symbols Use Seasons, Landscapes, And Life Cycles?

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Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident

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Characterization and Human Behaviour5 subtopics

Dramatic Writing and Performance Techniques 4 subtopics

Narrative Perspective and Voice4 subtopics

Poetic Form and Expressive Techniques4 subtopics

Short Story Structure and Theme4 subtopics

Critical Reading and Media Interpretation4 subtopics

Travel Writing and Descriptive Craft3 subtopics

Ethical Reasoning in Texts3 subtopics

Argumentation and Persuasive Writing4 subtopics

Relationships and Interpersonal Themes3 subtopics

Duality, Conflict and Symbolism2 subtopics

Responsibility, Agency and Theme Development4 subtopics

MYP English Lang & Lit Symbol Types Notes

Characterization and Human Behaviour5 subtopics

Dramatic Writing and Performance Techniques 4 subtopics

Narrative Perspective and Voice4 subtopics

Poetic Form and Expressive Techniques4 subtopics

Short Story Structure and Theme4 subtopics

Critical Reading and Media Interpretation4 subtopics

Travel Writing and Descriptive Craft3 subtopics

Ethical Reasoning in Texts3 subtopics

Argumentation and Persuasive Writing4 subtopics

Relationships and Interpersonal Themes3 subtopics

Duality, Conflict and Symbolism2 subtopics

Responsibility, Agency and Theme Development4 subtopics

Why Are Symbols So Effective At Conveying Meaning?

What Are Some Conventional Symbols That Use Shared Cultural Meanings?

How Do Natural And Cyclical Symbols Use Seasons, Landscapes, And Life Cycles?

anim nostrud sit dolore minim proident quis fugiat velit et eiusmod nulla quis nulla mollit dolor sunt culpa aliqua

Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit

Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident

Unlock the rest of this chapter with a free account

Why Are Symbols So Effective At Conveying Meaning?

What Are Some Conventional Symbols That Use Shared Cultural Meanings?

How Do Natural And Cyclical Symbols Use Seasons, Landscapes, And Life Cycles?

anim nostrud sit dolore minim proident quis fugiat velit et eiusmod nulla quis nulla mollit dolor sunt culpa aliqua

Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit

Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident

Unlock the rest of this chapter with a free account