Chapter 9: Symbolism and AllegoryAP English Literature & CompositionUnit I: Introduction to Literature

Symbolism and AllegoryOverviewCultural vs. Contextual SymbolsDetermining What Is SymbolicDefinition and Types of Allegory

LifeLiberty

Pursuit of happinessFreedom

DemocracyPower

Solidarity

Overview of Symbolism & Allegory Symbolism and allegory are modes that

expand meaning (like figurative language).

These literary devices developed from the connections that people make between our own experiences and particular objects, places, or occurrences.

By highlighting details as symbols, and stories or parts of stories as allegories, writers expand their meaning while keeping their works within reasonable lengths.

Symbolism A symbol creates a direct meaningful

equation between A: specific objects, scenes, characters, or

actions B: ideas, values, persons, or ways of life

A symbol (A) is a substitute for the element being signified (B).

What makes a symbol symbolic is its capacity to signify additional levels of meaning.

A B

Cultural Symbols Many symbols are generally or

universally recognized and are therefore cultural (or universal).

These symbols embody ideas and emotions that writers and readers share as part of the same cultural and historical heritage.

Examples Archetypal characters Natural elements (earth, air, fire, water,

etc.)

Activity: Cultural Symbols

sun apple lion monument

shackles peace sign colors shapes

Contextual Symbols Objects and other elements that are not

universal can be symbols within an individual work.

These contextual symbols may also be labeled private or authorial.

Examples necklace (“The Necklace”) kitchen (“A Jury of Her Peers”) pink ribbons (“Young Goodman Brown”)

Determining What Is Symbolic Judge the importance that the author

gives to a particular literary element Prominence (“Is it emphasized?”) Constancy and repetition

Then, consider if it has additional meaning beyond itself.

Not everything is a symbol. If you can’t identify the equation (A = B), then don’t call it one!

Allegory “All symbolism, all the time” A complete and self-sufficient narrative

that also signifies another series of conditions or events

Many stories that are not allegories contain brief episodes that are allegorical

Often concerned with morality and religion, but there are also political and social allegories (e.g. Animal Farm)

A Visual . . .

Literal (surface) level of meaning

Symbolic (deeper) level of meaning

Applications and Meanings of Allegories Favored method of teaching morality

Type of didactic literature Easier to remember stories (rather than

lessons) Determine whether all or part of a work

can have an extended, allegorical meaning

Types of Allegory: Fables Fable = an old, brief, and popular form

of didactic stories Often, but not always, about animals

who possess human traits (also known as “beast fables”); employ personification

Contain clear morals or explanations

Types of Allegories: Parables Parable = a short, simple allegory with a

moral or religious bent

Often associated with Zen Buddhism Higher level of thought and “teaching”

than fables Offers a central paradox, or seemingly

contradictory situation Learning occurs through meditation,

reflection, and thought

Also featured throughout the Bible

Types of Allegory: Myth Myth = traditional story that embodies

and codifies the religious, philosophical, and cultural values of the civilization in which it is composed

Central figures are usually heroes, gods, and demigods

May be based on historical truth, but the truth of the story is to be found in their symbolic and allegorical interpretations

Writing about Symbolism & AllegoryQuestions for Discovering IdeasStrategies for Organizing Ideas

Questions for Discovering Ideas: Symbolism What cultural or universal symbols can you discover in

the names, objects, places, situations, or actions?

What contextual symbolism can you find? What makes you think it is symbolic? What is symbolized? How definite or direct is the symbolism? How systematic is it? How necessary to the work? How does it strengthen the work? How strongly does the work stand on its own without reading for symbolism?

Is it possible to make parallel lists to show how qualities of a particular symbol match the qualities of a particular character or action? (see example)

Example: Parallel Lists

Qualities of Windmill Toy

Qualities of Phoenix & her Life

Cheap Poor, but gives all she has for the toy

Breakable Old, and not far from death

A gift for grandson Generous

Not practical Needs relief from reality and practicality

Colorful Needs something new and cheerful

From “A Worn Path” by Eudora Welty:

Questions for Discovering Ideas:Allegory How clearly does the author point you toward an

allegorical reading (i.e., through names and allusions, consistency of narrative, literary context)?

How consistent is the allegorical application? Does the entire work, or only a part, embody the allegory? On what basis do you draw these conclusions?

How complete is the allegorical reading? How might the allegory yield to a diagram showing how characters, actions, objects, and ideas correspond allegorically?

Questions for Discovering Ideas:Other Forms What enables you to identify the story

as a parable or fable? What lesson or moral is either clearly stated or implicit?

What mythological circumstances does the work contain? What do you find (names, situations, etc.) that enables you to see it as myth? How is the myth to be interpreted? What is its symbolic value? What current or timeless application?

Strategies for Organizing Ideas

Central Idea Relate the central idea of your essay to the meaning of the

work’s major symbolism or allegorical thrust.

Look for ways to make solid connections (A = B) when you designate something as a symbol or allegory.

Your essay must include justifications for your symbols or allegorical parallels.

In concluding, you may choose to Summarize main points

Describe general impressions

Explain the impact of symbolic or allegorical methods

Indicate personal responses

Suggest further lines of thought and application

Assess the quality and appropriateness of symbolism or allegory

Organizing Ideas: Symbolism The Meaning of a Major Symbol: Identify the

symbol and what it stands for. Then answer questions such as these: Is the symbol cultural or contextual? How do you decide?

How do you derive your interpretation of the symbolic meaning?

What is the extent of the meaning?

Does the symbol undergo modification or new applications if it reappears in the work?

How does the symbol affect your understanding of the work?

Does the symbol bring out any ironies?

How does the symbol add strength and depth to the work?

Organizing Ideas: Symbolism

The Development and Relationship of Symbols: For two or more symbols, consider questions such as these: How do the symbols connect with each other? What additional meanings do the symbols provide? Do the symbols control the form (structure) of the

work? How? (For comparisons across texts): Can these

comparable objects and conditions be viewed symbolically in relationship to the development of the two stories?

Organizing Ideas: Allegory

The Application and Meaning of the Allegory What is the subject of the story (allegory, fable,

parable, myth)? How can this subject be more generally applied

to ideas or to qualities of human character, not only of its own time but also of our own?

What other versions of the story do you know, if any?

Does it illustrate, either closely or loosely, particular philosophies or religious views? If so, what are these views? How do you know that the story illustrates them?

Organizing Ideas: Allegory

The Consistency of the Allegory Is the allegory used consistently

throughout the story or is it used intermittently? Explain and illustrate this use.

Would it be correct to call your story allegorical rather than an allegory?

Can you determine how parts of the story are introduced for their allegorical importance?