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How to Write a Symbolism Essay: The Great Gatsby, The Lottery, & Other Examples

In this article, we will discuss the keys to a good symbolism essay. You should know many nuances to master this type of writing.

Symbolism essay isn’t the same as other types of essays. Let’s say you’re writing The Yellow Wallpaper symbolism essay. Under no circumstances should you retell the whole plot of the story.

So, we are here to help you become a symbolism essay professional.

Let’s get down to it!

• 🤿 Symbolism Essay Writing Guide

📐 Symbolism Essay Outline

📚 symbolism essay topics, 🤿 symbolism essay – writing guide.

It’s time for us to look into the main aspects of the essay on symbolism.

First, we will try to define it. After that, check for information about the most common symbols in literature.

What Is an Essay on Symbolism?

A symbol is an object, or phenomena, or anything else, that has some additional notions behind it. In literature, the setting, an object, or an image can symbolize something.

A symbol in literature is a device for delivering multiple meanings and ideas through an image, concept, or object. That means an object in question has other layers of meaning beyond the literal one.

For instance, specific colors may be associated with certain ideas. What comes to your mind at the thought of black color? Probably, death, or grief, or tragedy. So, the author uses this color to express a gruesome atmosphere.

This is how symbolism works.

Common Symbols in Literature

There’s an endless number of symbols in literature, and they all are different. However, most authors use particular types of symbols: objects, events, and characters. We will try to interpret them with you.

We suggest considering some examples of symbolism in literature.

Symbolic objects are everything that exists in the material world. For example, things, their parts, animals and birds, plants. In other words, it is anything you can potentially touch.

An American poet Sara Teasdale uses a flower as a symbol of the wisdom of youth in her poem Wild Asters . In the lines,

In the spring I asked the daisies If his words were true, And the clever, clear-eyed daisies Always knew.

Teasdale chooses symbolism through personification. The daisies serve as a symbol for youth wisdom and can give answers.

Symbolism can also be developed through characters representing abstract ideas and delivering a solid association. Animals count, too, if they play a significant role in a plot. Let’s not exclude spirits, ghosts, and other mythical creatures because they are often common symbols in literature.

• Shakespeare was intensely into symbols. For example, in Hamlet , one can find a lot of them. If you read the play, you must remember two gravediggers. One of whom was a reflecting man with philosophical views. His appearance and philosophical attitude aren’t accidental. The gravedigger signified the idea of all people being equal before the face of death.
• In the same play, the ghost of Hamlet’s father serves a significant symbolic role. Metaphorically, his presence foreshadows the upcoming tragic events for Claudius, the Queen, and Denmark in general. The whole concept of a dead man’s image can give chills. That’s why this image is powerful enough to create an ominous atmosphere.

Authors can use dramatic changes and twists to symbolize a new phase. One can identify symbolic meanings from how the plot unfolds and what events occur. This is an excellent way to deliver the idea of a character’s inner changes. Let’s look into examples closer.

• In Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte, the weather changes play a significant role. Whenever a storm was about to come, some tragic events took place. Lousy weather symbolized growing tension and negativity that later broke into a scandal or drama. Such a literary device as foreshadowing is used here and expressed to readers through symbolism.
• John Fowls also used elements of symbolism in his books. His famous novel The Magnus has numerous symbols and metaphors. For instance, Alison staged her suicide and later showed up in front of Nicholas. Her fake suicide symbolized the death of her old self and further rebirth. She wanted to do everything for Nicholas but was weak. Once she appears again, we see a completely new person – solid and decisive.

Other Symbols

Basically, you can refer anything to this class of symbols. We’ll be talking about those that don’t fit into the previous groups. There are plenty of them: various details of other characters, objects, motifs—for example, colors, sounds, or composition.

• If you write color symbolism in The Great Gatsby essay, you won’t have any problems. The novel is drenched in color symbols. Here’s proof: Fitzgerald uses white to symbolize innocence and purity. Yellow color foreshadows a tragedy: Gatsby walked under yellowing trees right before being killed.
• Even the whole story can symbolize something. Take Animal Farm by George Orwell. The animal farm illustrates the savage ruling regimes, such as fascist and Soviet Russian. The author carried the allegory through the whole novel.

How to Write a Symbolism Essay – Analysis

We want to provide you with a guideline on symbolism essay writing:

In this part, we will discuss a symbolism essay outline. It consists of an introduction, body, and conclusion, like any other academic paper. Read about the importance and different ways to outline an essay in our article about outline making.

Let’s go through a symbolism essay outline.

Symbolism Essay Introduction

You can choose anything for the symbolism analysis. Make sure your readers are perfectly aware of your choice too. Introduce them to the subject. Speak on it generally so that the audience can get the idea of a symbol. In the end, explain why you chose this particular topic for the symbolism essay.

Symbolism Essay Body

Now, it’s time to specify the symbol you chose. Elaborate on it: what is written in the book? What general sense this symbol has beyond literature? Tell about your associations – what does this symbol represent for you? Besides, discuss why it’s essential to analyze it in an essay on symbolism.

Remember to back up your opinion with the facts from an original text.

Symbolism Essay Conclusion

Wrap up your essay by writing a consistent concluding paragraph. You can do it by bringing up all the points mentioned in the body. Once again, show that the symbol is significant to talk about. Finally, sum up all the main ideas. Use our free summary generator to develop a good resume of your key thoughts.

Now you know how to write a symbolism essay but let’s look at some examples first.

Looking for a good topic for your symbolism essay? In this section, you will find some awesome ideas for your paper.

• Symbols in “Everyday Use” by Alice Walker.
• Symbolism in Emily Dickinson’s “Because I Could Not Stop for Death.”
• The Christmas tree as a symbol in Henrik Ibsen’s play “A Doll’s House.”
• The symbols of life and death in the poem by Dylan Thomas “Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night.”
• Symbolism in “On Being Brought From Africa to America” by Wheatley.
• “A Worn Path” by Eudora Welty: Analysis of symbols.
• Conflict and symbolism in Hemingway’s “Hills Like White Elephants.”
• The symbolic meaning of fire in the Fahrenheit 451 novel by Ray Bradbury.
• Symbols in the book Coming of Age in Mississippi by Anne Moody.
• The symbols of success and failure in the Death of a Salesman play by Arthur Miller.
• Symbolism in the Narrative of the Life of Fredrick Douglass by Fredrick Douglass.
• The symbolic nature of Frost’s poetry.
• “The Story of an Hour” by Kate Chopin: Analysis of symbols.
• How symbols help reveal characters in “Doll’s House” by Ibsen.
• What is the symbolic meaning of a streetcar in A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams?
• “Sonny’s Blues” by James Baldwin: The symbolism of darkness.
• The scarlet letter as the most powerful symbol in The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne.
• Symbolism of quilts in Alice Walker’s “Everyday Use.”
• Franz Kafka and “The Metamorphosis”: The symbols of humanity.
• Symbols in “Woman Hollering Creek” by Sandra Cisneros.
• Religious symbolism in “A Good Man Is Hard to Find” by Flannery O’Connor.
• “The Adventure of Huckleberry Finn” by Mark Twain: The symbolism of different settings.
• Symbols of friendship in “The Red Convertible” by Louise Erdrich.
• The Epic of Gilgamesh : Religious symbols.
• Nature as a symbol in “Nothing Gold Can Stay” by Robert Frost.
• Symbolism in “The Deserted Village” by Oliver Goldsmith.
• The symbolic meaning of money in “Brother, I’m Dying” by Edwidge Danticat.
• Major symbols in Oedipus Rex by Sophocles.
• Symbols related to mental illness in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest by Ken Kesey.
• The symbolism of bathing suits in “A&P” by John Updike.
• Color symbolism in Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison.
• “The Fish” by Elizabeth Bishop: Analysis of symbols.
• Symbols in Middlemarch by George Eliot.
• The Question of Hu by Jonathan D. Spence: Symbolism.
• Characters as symbols in Tim O’Brien’s The Things They Carried .
• White elephants as a symbol of an unwanted child in “Hills Like White Elephants” by Hemingway.
• The symbolism of a handkerchief in “Othello” by William Shakespeare.
• Symbolism in “Rip Van Winkle” by Washington Irving.
• The symbolic meaning of schools in The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger.
• Aunt Martha as a symbol of womanhood in Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl by Jacobs.
• Themes and symbolism of Native Son by Richard Wright.
• To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee: The symbolic meaning of the book’s title.
• Symbolism in The Tragic History of Doctor Faustus by Marlowe.
• The symbolic nature of food in Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel.
• The Savage Detectives by Roberto Bolaño: Analysis of symbols.
• Emily’s house as a symbol in “A Rose for Emily” by William Faulkner.
• What symbols are used in Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Hurston?
• The symbolic meaning of the veil in “The Souls of Black Folk” by Du Bois.
• What symbols reflect good and evil in “The Cask of Amontillado” by Edgar Allan Poe?
• The symbolism of the bridge in A View from the Bridge by Arthur Miller.
• Symbols in The World is Flat — the Book by Thomas L. Friedman.
• The symbolic meaning of the title of the story “The Yellow Wallpaper” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman.
• How is materialism symbolically reflected in Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer?
• The symbolism of blindness in “Cathedral” — the story by Raymond Carver.
• Yorick’s skull as a symbol of equality in Shakespeare’s Hamlet .
• Symbols in Claude McKay’s Crazy Mary .
• The symbolism of the title in Fences by August Wilson.
• Analysis of symbols in “On the Death of Dr. Robert Levet” by Levet.
• The symbols of racial and gender discrimination in I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou.
• Solomon Northup’s Twelve Years a Slave Memoir: The symbols of slavery.

Home — Essay Samples — Literature — Symbolism

Essays on Symbolism

Symbolism essay topics and outline examples, essay title 1: the power of symbolism in literature.

Thesis Statement: Symbolism serves as a powerful literary device, allowing authors to convey deeper meanings, emotions, and themes in their works, enriching the reader's experience and interpretation.

• Introduction
• Defining Symbolism in Literature
• Types of Literary Symbols
• The Function of Symbols in Storytelling
• Analysis of Symbolism in Select Literary Works

Essay Title 2: Religious Symbolism in Art and Culture

Thesis Statement: Religious symbolism has played a profound role in art and culture, reflecting spiritual beliefs, values, and cultural narratives across different societies and time periods.

• Exploring Religious Symbols and Their Significance
• Examples of Religious Symbolism in Art and Architecture
• The Influence of Religious Symbols on Cultural Practices
• Interpreting the Cross-Cultural Impact of Religious Symbolism

Essay Title 3: Symbolism in Film: Visual Storytelling Beyond Words

Thesis Statement: Symbolism in film allows directors to convey complex ideas, emotions, and themes through visual and auditory cues, adding depth to cinematic narratives and enhancing viewer engagement.

• The Role of Visual and Auditory Symbols in Film
• Symbolism in Iconic Movie Scenes
• The Connection Between Film Symbolism and Viewer Interpretation
• Exploring Symbolism in a Range of Film Genres

Symbolism in "Lord of The Flies" by William Golding

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The Symbolism of Black Panther

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Symbolism in Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad

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The Symbolism of Light and Darkness in Romeo and Juliet

Application of symbolism in the petty demon by fyodor sologub, the use of symbolism and irony in the cask of amontillado by edgar allan poe, the symbolism of fire and ice in jane eyre by charlotte bronte, symbolism in speak by laurie halse anderson, symbolism in john steinbeck’s the pearl, symbolism of onion in buried onions by gary soto, analysis of symbolism in the story of an hour by kate chopin, symbolism in the lord of the files, themes and symbolism in of mice and men, symbolism in this boy’s life, symbolism in "the catcher in the rye" by j.d. salinger, an analysis of symbolism in uncle vanya, symbolism in dylan thomas's works, symbolism in the painted door, analytical on the symbolism in the "yellow wallpaper", the significance of the symbolism in "sir gawain and the green knight", symbolism of the closet in the novel speak by laurie halse anderson, the coyote symbol in "tortilla curtain", symbols of darkness and light in "silas marner".

Symbolism refers to a literary technique used to imbue objects, actions, or characters with deeper, abstract meanings that extend beyond their literal representation. It is a creative device employed by writers to convey complex ideas, emotions, or themes in a condensed and evocative manner. Through the use of symbols, writers invite readers to delve into the layers of meaning within a narrative or poem, encouraging them to interpret and uncover hidden messages.

The literary device of symbolism has its origins in ancient civilizations, where symbols were used to represent abstract concepts or ideas. Symbolism can be traced back to ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Greece, where symbols were employed in religious rituals, mythologies, and artistic expressions. In Western literature, the concept of symbolism gained prominence during the Romantic era in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Romantic poets and writers, such as William Blake and Samuel Taylor Coleridge, utilized symbols to convey deeper meanings and evoke emotional responses in their works. However, the formalization and recognition of symbolism as a distinct literary device occurred in the late 19th century with the emergence of the Symbolist movement in France. Symbolist poets, including Charles Baudelaire and Stéphane Mallarmé, embraced symbolism as a means to explore the realm of the subconscious, spirituality, and the metaphysical. They sought to convey complex ideas and emotions through carefully crafted symbols and metaphors.

William Shakespeare: The celebrated playwright often incorporated symbolism in his works. For example, in his tragedy "Macbeth," the symbol of blood represents guilt and the characters' moral decay. Nathaniel Hawthorne: Known for his novel "The Scarlet Letter," Hawthorne used symbolism extensively. The scarlet letter itself becomes a symbol of shame and societal judgment. F. Scott Fitzgerald: In his classic novel "The Great Gatsby," Fitzgerald skillfully employs symbols such as the green light, the eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg, and the Valley of Ashes to convey themes of wealth, corruption, and the American Dream. J.R.R. Tolkien: The author of "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy used symbols to enrich his fantastical world. The One Ring is a potent symbol of power and corruption, while the White Tree of Gondor represents hope and renewal. Emily Dickinson: The renowned poet often employed symbolism in her works, using objects and natural elements to explore profound themes of love, death, and nature.

The Rose: Often associated with love and beauty, the rose symbolizes passion, desire, and romance. It can also represent fragility or the balance between pleasure and pain. The Dove: A universal symbol of peace and purity, the dove is frequently used to represent harmony, innocence, and hope. It can appear in works dealing with themes of reconciliation and the search for tranquility. The Cross: As a religious symbol, the cross signifies sacrifice, redemption, and faith. It often appears in works with themes of spirituality, salvation, or moral struggles. The Journey: Symbolizing transformation and personal growth, the journey represents the protagonist's quest for self-discovery, knowledge, or enlightenment. It can be a physical or metaphorical journey. The Mirror: Reflecting both the literal and metaphorical sense, the mirror represents self-reflection, self-awareness, and truth. It can delve into themes of identity, perception, and the search for inner meaning. The Raven: Often associated with darkness and mystery, the raven symbolizes death, loss, and the haunting presence of the unknown. It can evoke a sense of foreboding or symbolize the protagonist's descent into madness.

Representation: Symbolism involves the use of objects, characters, or elements to represent abstract ideas, concepts, or themes. By imbuing these symbols with meaning, writers can add layers of depth to their storytelling. Multiple Interpretations: Symbols are open to interpretation, allowing readers to derive their own meanings from them. They can evoke different emotions and resonate with readers in unique ways, making literature more subjective and thought-provoking. Enhancing Themes: Symbolism helps writers convey complex themes and ideas that may be difficult to express directly. Symbols serve as vehicles for exploring profound concepts such as love, death, spirituality, or societal issues, enabling a deeper understanding of the text. Engaging Imagery: Symbols often create vivid and memorable imagery in readers' minds. By using concrete and tangible objects to represent abstract concepts, writers can make their works more visually and emotionally captivating. Unifying Elements: Symbols can unify a literary work by recurring throughout the narrative, connecting various elements and creating cohesion. They provide a thread that ties different parts of the story together, reinforcing the central themes or motifs.

Depth and Complexity: Symbols add depth and complexity to a story, allowing authors to convey abstract or complex ideas that may be difficult to express directly. Symbols provide a means to explore emotions, themes, and concepts in a more nuanced and evocative way. Communication and Universality: Symbols have the power to transcend language and cultural barriers. They can communicate ideas and emotions universally, allowing readers from different backgrounds to connect and interpret the text on a deeper level. Multiple Layers of Meaning: Symbols offer multiple layers of meaning, inviting readers to engage in a deeper exploration of the text. They can represent different ideas or evoke various emotions, allowing for rich interpretation and analysis. Engagement and Interpretation: Symbols engage readers by requiring active interpretation. They invite readers to analyze, speculate, and search for hidden meanings, fostering a deeper engagement with the text. Evoking Imagery and Emotion: Symbols have the ability to create vivid imagery and evoke strong emotions. They can enhance the sensory experience of reading by appealing to the reader's senses and emotions. Memorable and Lasting Impact: Symbols can leave a lasting impact on readers. They can resonate with readers long after they finish the book, sparking contemplation and discussion.

1. Jones, E. (1918). The theory of symbolism. British Journal of Psychology, 9(2), 181. (https://www.proquest.com/openview/2b14884988f835d9d43c8d43c338ae64/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=1818401) 2. Chadwick, C. (2017). Symbolism. Routledge. (https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/mono/10.4324/9781315270418/symbolism-charles-chadwick) 3. Cohen, A. (1979). Political symbolism. Annual Review of Anthropology, 8(1), 87-113. (https://www.annualreviews.org/doi/abs/10.1146/annurev.an.08.100179.000511?journalCode=anthro) 4. Deal, T. E. (1985). The symbolism of effective schools. The Elementary School Journal, 85(5), 601-620. (https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/abs/10.1086/461424?journalCode=esj) 5. Sapir, E. (1929). A study in phonetic symbolism. Journal of experimental psychology, 12(3), 225. (https://psycnet.apa.org/record/1929-04177-001) 6. Walzer, M. (1967). On the role of symbolism in political thought. Political Science Quarterly, 82(2), 191-204. (https://www.jstor.org/stable/2147214) 7. Yeats, W. B., & Yeats, W. B. (1961). The Symbolism of Poetry. Essays and Introductions, 153-164. (https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-1-349-00618-2_10) 8. Ladner, G. B. (1979). Medieval and modern understanding of symbolism: a comparison. Speculum, 54(2), 223-256. (https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/pdf/10.2307/2854972) 9. Evarts, A. B. (1919). Color symbolism. Psychoanalytic Review, 6(2), 124-157. (https://pep-web.org/browse/document/psar.006.0124a) 10. Plog, S. (2003). Exploring the ubiquitous through the unusual: color symbolism in Pueblo black-on-white pottery. https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/american-antiquity/article/abs/exploring-the-ubiquitous-through-the-unusual-color-symbolism-in-pueblo-blackonwhite-pottery/6CC6A0F2C99947B0278AAA41CEF413D American Antiquity, 68(4), 665-695.

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Literary Techniques: Symbolism

You know how apples are often associated with temptation? That's symbolism. In this post, we explain what symbolism is, how to analyse it, and how to discuss it in your essays,

Guide Chapters

• How to analyse poetry and prose
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• Intertextuality
• In medias res
• Juxtaposition
• Lighting - Film
• Mise en scene - Film
• Montage - Film
• Music - Film
• Shot angles - Film
• Symbolism - Film

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Welcome to our glossary of Literary Techniques  SYMBOLISM post. This post expands on symbolism, which is one of the many techniques from our Literary Techniques Part 1: Techniques for Analysing a Written Text guide.

Table of Contents

What is symbolism, how does symbolism work.

• How to analyse symbolism – step-by-step

Symbolism examples

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Some common student questions about symbolism are:

• How do I identify symbols and find its meaning?
• How do I discuss symbolism in my essay?

Here, we will define symbolism, discuss the purpose of symbolism in texts, and take you through a step-by-step process – using examples – to show you how to discuss it in your responses.

Literary techniques: Symbolism

Symbolism is a powerful and common technique used by composers to provide more depth and significance to an idea through an object, action, situation, or character.

This is quite similar to a metaphor . However, whereas, a metaphor explicitly compares two subjects, symbolism requires the audience to search for a meaning themselves.

Let’s unpack this for you in a bit more detail.

Symbolism is when a symbol (object, action, subject…) is used to represent another meaning that is different from its literal definition.

However, there is one important thing to consider when analysing symbolism:  context .

Let’s say a couple was filmed and a red filter was used over the shot. If the couple was arguing, you would automatically associate red with anger and frustration. So, if this scene was changed to portray them smile and hug each other, would your perspective on this colour change?

You see, when it comes to deciphering the meaning of a symbol, it is very important to consider the context in which the symbol appears.

There are so many different ways you can interpret a symbol.

And they’re NOT all wrong! Symbolism’s implicit nature forces you to engage with the text, and think outside the box. This helps the composer hammer a message into your mind. And this is why symbols are so powerful and so commonly used.

Often, there is a universal agreement on what certain objects represent. For example, someone from Australia and someone from Japan would both see skulls as a symbol of death and mortality. This is because we were taught to associate certain visual images to an abstract idea from a young age.

Knowing this, composers use this association to their advantage when creating texts by using symbols.

However, a symbol’s meaning is not always so explicit. This is when you need to consider the characteristics that this object holds and the significance of such qualities in relation to the text’s themes and messages. We will go into further detail about this process in the next section.

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How to analyse symbolism? – A step-by-step process

Symbols can sometimes be hidden within a text. However, there are some methodical steps that will aid you in identifying and analysing them. All you need to do is to keep practising.

• Read the passage. See if there is a subject that stands out to you, is repeated, or can usually be associated with another meaning.
• What is the object?
• What are its main characteristics?
• What is the significance of this characteristic? Think about the THEMES in your text.
• What can this mean? Link to the text’s themes and messages.
• What is the author’s intention in using a symbol?
• How would the audience react to such findings?
• Discuss your insights in a  T.E.E.L  structure.

Now, we have an overview of how to identify and analyse symbolism, let’s do it together using examples.

Step 1: Identify any objects that seem significant

Symbols can be easy or hard to identify. Usually, they stand out, reoccur throughout the text, or are given special attention by the composer. It can come in various forms like objects, physical features, actions or even characters. However, sometimes they can be hidden. It is up to you to decide whether or not it is significant.

Let’s have a look at an extract from an HSC Module B text: Shakespeare’s  Henry IV,  Act 1, Scene 2

‘I know you all, and will awhile uphold The unyoked humor of your idleness. Yet herein will I imitate the sun, Who doth permit the base contagious clouds To smother up his beauty from the world, That, when he please again to be himself, Being wanted, he may be more wondered at By breaking through the foul and ugly mist Of vapors that did seem to strangle him.’

Here, we see that Prince Henry has agreed to put on a rowdy persona as part of a scheme to impress the public when he becomes ‘good’.

When you read this, what are some strong visual images that stand out to you? Think about common symbols used by composers or if there are any extra details or description regarding a certain object. (REMEMBER, keep thinking about possible meanings that the objects and/or images can hold as you come across them. That way, you are not mindlessly searching for interesting objects).

‘The sun’, ‘Contagious clouds’, ‘Foul and ugly mist’

From this, we can identify that the sun and the clouds are symbols.

Step 2: Figure out the meaning of this symbol

After finding the symbol, think about the most common ideas that are usually represented by this object. In our case, the sun traditionally holds religious connotations, representing heavenly light, God, or even rebirth. However, we must take context into consideration:

• According to the plot, Prince Henry has just decided to hide his good nature behind a persona
• A major theme in this text is ‘legitimacy of power.’

From these two pieces of context, we can deduce that Shakespeare has used the sun to represent God’s characteristic (goodness) in Prince Henry.

But do we have more evidence to support this? Let’s look further by unpacking another symbol.

We see that Shakespeare has also referenced clouds and mist. A characteristic that these two have in common is its murkiness. We can then identify the significance of the murkiness; it has the ability to hide things. Therefore, taking another step, we can conclude that the clouds and mist are symbolic of a hidden truth.

Now, when we tie these two findings together, we can figure out the meaning.

The sun hidden by the clouds is symbolic of Prince Henry’s good nature that is masked behind a persona of a misbehaved man.

However, that is not all…

Step 3: What effect does this symbol have on the audience?

First, we need to figure out what the composer’s intended message is. In this case, Shakespeare is trying to warn his audience of the corruption existing in politics.

So why use symbolism out of all techniques? Well, we need to think about how the audience will react.

As mentioned above, symbolism forces us to directly engage with the text by invoking deep thoughts about its themes as we try to figure out the meaning behind the symbols. As such, the use of symbolism here confronts us with the truth about the corruption in politics, as we realise the extent of manipulation and deceit used for one to achieve and sustain power.

Step 4: Put your findings into a T.E.E.L paragraph

Now, we have all the necessary ingredients to put together a  T.E.E.L paragraph.

T.E.E.L stands for:

• Technique : The technique used in the example
• Example : The example
• Effect : Your explanation of the effect of this technique and how it develops meaning
• Link : An explanation of how this example supports your argument.

You can find a more detailed explanation of using  T.E.E.L in our post on paragraph structure  (this post is part of our series on Essay Writing and shows you the methods Matrix English Students learn to write Band 6 essays in the Matrix Holiday and Term courses). Let’s use this  T.E.E.L to write about this example of imagery.

• The  technique being used is symbolism
• The example of symbolism is “ Yet herein will I imitate the sun / Who doth permit the base contagious clouds / To smother up his beauty from the world. “
• The effect of this technique is that Shakespeare represents Prince Henry’s desire to uphold a misbehaved and rowdy persona, to fulfill his scheme of  gaining the awe and appreciation of his public when he changes into his good-natured self.
• The  link to our argument about the corruption of power is that Shakespeare horrifies his audience of the extent in which one uses manipulation and deceit to achieve their desired position of power, thus creating an awareness of the nature of politics.

Let’s put this into a complete statement about this use of symbolism.

Now, we have a solid understanding of symbolism and how to analyse it. What you need to do is read over this example again and make sure you keep practising analysing the symbolism you find to master this.

Symbolism is a commonly used technique. You will find symbols in many texts set for study. Now that we know how to analyse symbolism step-by-step, let’s take a look at another example to make sure you fully understand what symbolism is, and how to use it in your writing.

Let’s take a look at how to analyse symbolism a comparative study of texts for Year 12 Module A texts.

Symbolism example 1: Shakespeare’s,  King Richard III

In scene 5, the ghosts of those killed by King Richard III – whether directly or indirectly – return to haunt him.

“ Ghost of Clarence: Let me sit heavy in thy soul tomorrow”

“ Ghost of Rivers:  Let me sit heavy in thy soul tomorrow”

“ Ghost of Grey:  Thin upon Grey, and let thy soul despair!” 

“ All: Awake and think our / wrongs in Richard’s bosom / Will conquer him! Awake,”

Here, we see that the ghosts are symbolic of the divine power punishing Richard as he challenges the Great Chain of Being in his quest to become king. This is reflective of Shakespeare’s highly religious context where they believe in God’s retribution and predeterminism. This means that  one cannot climb up the social ladder, either through merit or the murderous point of a sword.

Symbolism example 2: Al Pacino’s ,  Looking For Richard .

Pacino has reinterpreted Shakespeare’s ghost scene in various ways.

Here, he removes the significance of the ghosts in the film and focuses on Richard’s tormented facial expressions, which is represented by the tilted camera angles and the close-up shots of Richard’s tormented face

From this, we know that in Pacino’s adaptation, the ghosts are no longer symbolic of God’s retribution. Instead, they represent the deterioration of Richard’s psyche as he is haunted by his realisation of the detrimental effects of his immoral actions during his quest to become king. This is influenced by Pacino’s 20th century secular context where there is an increased understanding of human psychology.

Now let’s put these two analyses together in the style of a Mod A comparative response:

You’ll notice, too, that this analysis includes more information about the context of the texts as required by the Module A syllabus.

Now you have a solid understanding of symbolism and how to use it, you want to ensure you start practising identifying and writing about it yourself.

Written by Matrix English Team

© Matrix Education and www.matrix.edu.au, 2023. Unauthorised use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Matrix Education and www.matrix.edu.au with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

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