Symbolism
(or: when objects are doing more than just existing)
- Sometimes a door is just a door.
- But sometimes… it’s fear, freedom, opportunity, or regret.
- That’s symbolism.
1. What is symbolism?
Symbolism
Symbolism is when an object, image, colour, or action represents a bigger idea.
- It works on two levels:
- the literal level (what it is)
- the symbolic level (what it suggests)
- In simple terms:
Symbolism is when something means more than itself.
2. Why writers use symbolism
- Writers use symbolism to:
- express complex ideas subtly
- deepen themes
- avoid explaining everything directly
- make meanings stick
- Symbolism invites the reader to think, not just observe.
3. Common things that become symbols
- Almost anything can be symbolic, but common ones include:
- objects (keys, mirrors, doors, clocks)
- settings (weather, darkness, light)
- colours (red, white, black)
- actions (breaking, crossing, letting go)
- The meaning depends on context, not a fixed rule.
4. Symbolism and theme
- Symbols often point to themes, such as:
- freedom
- identity
- loss
- power
- innocence
- When a symbol appears repeatedly, it usually matters.
5. Symbolism and character
- Symbols can reflect:
- a character’s emotional state
- internal conflict
- personal growth
- Changes in how a symbol is used often signal a character arc.
6. Symbolism and tone
- Symbolism helps shape tone.
- dark symbols can create tension
- gentle symbols can create calm
- broken symbols can create sadness
- Symbols affect how a scene feels without stating emotion.
7. Using PEEL to analyse symbolism
You analyse symbolism the same way you analyse everything else.
P: Point
- Identify the symbol and what it represents.
- object
- image
- repeated detail
- The writer uses the locked door as a symbol of emotional isolation.
E: Evidence
- Quote the moment where the symbol appears.
- This is shown when the narrator describes “the door remained locked, even as she stood on the other side.”
E: Explain
- Explain:
- the literal meaning
- the symbolic meaning
- why this symbol matters here
- Literally, the door is closed, preventing entry. Symbolically, it represents the character’s emotional barriers and reluctance to let others in.
L: Link
- Link to:
- theme
- character development
- tone
- As a result, the locked door symbol reinforces the character’s emotional isolation, emphasising how cut off she feels from those around her.
- Sentence starters for symbolism analysis
- Identifying the symbol
- The writer uses the symbol of… to represent…
- The … functions as a symbol of…
- This object becomes symbolic because…
- Using evidence
- This is shown when the text states…
- The symbol appears in the line…
- Explaining meaning
- Literally, this represents…, but symbolically it suggests…
- This symbol reflects the character’s…
- The repeated use of this symbol suggests…
- Linking to bigger ideas
- As a result, this symbol reinforces the theme of…
- This symbolism highlights the character’s internal conflict.
- The symbol contributes to the tone by…
- Identifying the symbol
8. Now it's your turn...
- Practice task: analysing symbolism
- Extract
- He slipped the key into his pocket and walked away, leaving the door behind him.
- Your task
- Write one PEEL paragraph answering the question below.
- Question:
- How is symbolism used to convey meaning in this extract?
- What students should focus on
- identifying the object acting as a symbol
- explaining what it represents beyond its literal role
- linking the symbol to emotion or theme
- avoiding plot summary
Solution
The writer uses the key as a symbol of choice and emotional release. This is evident when the narrator describes how “He slipped the key into his pocket and walked away.” Literally, the key could unlock the door, but symbolically, putting it away suggests a decision not to confront what lies behind it. The action implies that the character is choosing distance over engagement, avoiding a moment of emotional confrontation. As a result, the key symbol reinforces the idea of deliberate emotional withdrawal and highlights the character’s choice to walk away rather than face connection.
- P: Point
- The writer uses the key as a symbol of choice and emotional withdrawal.
- E: Evidence
- This is shown in the line “He slipped the key into his pocket and walked away.”
- E: Explain
- Literally, the key could unlock the door, but symbolically, hiding it suggests a refusal to engage. This action shows the character choosing avoidance instead of emotional confrontation.
- L: Link
- As a result, the key symbol reinforces the idea of deliberate emotional withdrawal, emphasising the character’s choice to walk away.
- Revision summary: imagery and symbolism
- Imagery
- Creates sensory pictures
- Helps the reader see, hear, or feel the moment
- Answers: What does this look or feel like?
- Symbolism
- Gives images deeper meaning
- Objects or actions represent bigger ideas
- Answers: What does this stand for?
- Imagery