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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?

Definition

Symbolism

Symbolism is when an object, image, colour, or action represents a bigger idea.

It works on two levels:
1. the literal level (what it is)
2. the symbolic level (what it suggests)
In simple terms:
1. Symbolism is when something means more than itself.

2. Why writers use symbolism

Writers use symbolism to:
1. express complex ideas subtly
2. deepen themes
3. avoid explaining everything directly
4. 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:
1. objects (keys, mirrors, doors, clocks)
2. settings (weather, darkness, light)
3. colours (red, white, black)
4. 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:
1. freedom
2. identity
3. loss
4. power
5. innocence
When a symbol appears repeatedly, it usually matters.

5. Symbolism and character

Symbols can reflect:
1. a character’s emotional state
2. internal conflict
3. personal growth
Changes in how a symbol is used often signal a character arc.

6. Symbolism and tone

Symbolism helps shape tone.
1. dark symbols can create tension
2. gentle symbols can create calm
3. 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.
1. object
2. image
3. repeated detail

Example

The writer uses the locked door as a symbol of emotional isolation.

E: Evidence

Quote the moment where the symbol appears.

Example

This is shown when the narrator describes “the door remained locked, even as she stood on the other side.”

E: Explain

Explain:
1. the literal meaning
2. the symbolic meaning
3. why this symbol matters here

Example

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:
1. theme
2. character development
3. tone

Example

As a result, the locked door symbol reinforces the character’s emotional isolation, emphasising how cut off she feels from those around her.

Exam technique

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…

8. Now it's your turn...

Example question

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.

Self review

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?

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Flashcards

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What is symbolism in literature?

Lesson

Recap your knowledge with an interactive lesson

9 minute activity

Sometimes a door is just a door.

But sometimes a door suggests fear, freedom, opportunity, or regret. That is symbolism.

DefinitionSymbolismWhen an object, image, colour, or action represents a bigger idea.

Symbolism works because the writer uses something concrete (a thing you can picture) to point toward an abstract meaning.

AnalogyA symbol is like a shortcut: instead of the writer explaining a big idea directly, they show a concrete thing that hints at it.

When you notice a possible symbol, ask what idea it keeps pointing to in the scene, not what it could mean in general.

NoteSymbolism is not about guessing random meanings. It is about using context to explain a meaning that fits the text.

To justify a symbol, connect it to what is happening, what the character feels, and what the story emphasizes around it.

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

Symbolism 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

Symbolism

1. What is symbolism?

2. Why writers use symbolism

3. Common things that become symbols

4. Symbolism and theme

5. Symbolism and character

6. Symbolism and tone

7. Using PEEL to analyse symbolism

P: Point

E: Evidence

E: Explain

L: Link

8. Now it's your turn...

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Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit

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Unlock the rest of this chapter with a Free account

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

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Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident