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107 Symbolism Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

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Symbolism is a literary device that authors use to convey deeper meanings in their work. By using objects, characters, and events to represent abstract ideas or themes, writers can add layers of complexity and depth to their stories. In this article, we will explore 107 symbolism essay topic ideas and provide examples to help you better understand how symbolism can be used in literature.

The use of the color white to symbolize purity and innocence in "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald.
The symbol of the mockingbird in "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee and its representation of innocence and vulnerability.
The use of the green light in "The Great Gatsby" as a symbol of hope and the American Dream.
The scarlet letter in Nathaniel Hawthorne's novel as a symbol of shame and sin.
The use of the raven in Edgar Allan Poe's poem "The Raven" as a symbol of death and mourning.
The symbol of the river in Mark Twain's "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" as a representation of freedom and escape.
The symbol of the conch shell in William Golding's "Lord of the Flies" as a representation of civilization and order.
The use of the rose in William Faulkner's "A Rose for Emily" as a symbol of love and decay.
The symbol of the red hunting cap in J.D. Salinger's "The Catcher in the Rye" as a representation of individuality and rebellion.
The use of the mirror in Charlotte Bronte's "Jane Eyre" as a symbol of self-reflection and identity.
The symbol of the fire in Ray Bradbury's "Fahrenheit 451" as a representation of destruction and renewal.
The use of the clock in Virginia Woolf's "Mrs. Dalloway" as a symbol of the passage of time and mortality.
The symbol of the white whale in Herman Melville's "Moby Dick" as a representation of obsession and revenge.
The use of the handkerchief in William Shakespeare's "Othello" as a symbol of fidelity and betrayal.
The symbol of the yellow wallpaper in Charlotte Perkins Gilman's story as a representation of female oppression and madness.
The use of the tree in Toni Morrison's "Beloved" as a symbol of growth and resilience.
The symbol of the glass unicorn in Tennessee Williams' "The Glass Menagerie" as a representation of fragility and isolation.
The use of the train in Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy as a symbol of progress and change.
The symbol of the heart in Edgar Allan Poe's "The Tell-Tale Heart" as a representation of guilt and madness.
The use of the labyrinth in Jorge Luis Borges' "The Garden of Forking Paths" as a symbol of confusion and choice.
The symbol of the phoenix in J.K. Rowling's "Harry Potter" series as a representation of rebirth and renewal.
The use of the mirror in Lewis Carroll's "Through the Looking-Glass" as a symbol of reflection and self-discovery.
The symbol of the ring in J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings" as a representation of power and corruption.
The use of the apple in John Milton's "Paradise Lost" as a symbol of temptation and sin.
The symbol of the rosebush in Nathaniel Hawthorne's "The Scarlet Letter" as a representation of forgiveness and redemption.
The use of the owl in William Shakespeare's "Macbeth" as a symbol of darkness and death.
The symbol of the mask in Oscar Wilde's "The Picture of Dorian Gray" as a representation of deceit and vanity.
The use of the mirror in Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" as a symbol of self-reflection and identity.
The symbol of the cross in Ernest Hemingway's "The Old Man and the Sea" as a representation of sacrifice and redemption.
The use of the tree in Maya Angelou's "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" as a symbol of growth and resilience.
The symbol of the bird in Emily Dickinson's poetry as a representation of freedom and transcendence.
The use of the moon in William Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" as a symbol of magic and illusion.
The symbol of the river in Gabriel Garcia Marquez's "One Hundred Years of Solitude" as a representation of time and memory.
The use of the mirror in Vladimir Nabokov's "Lolita" as a symbol of reflection and self-discovery.
The symbol of the rose in John Steinbeck's "The Grapes of Wrath" as a representation of beauty and resilience.
The use of the serpent in John Milton's "Paradise Lost" as a symbol of temptation and evil.
The symbol of the clock in Aldous Huxley's "Brave New World" as a representation of control and conformity.
The use of the tree in William Faulkner's "As I Lay Dying" as a symbol of growth and decay.
The symbol of the river in Toni Morrison's "Song of Solomon" as a representation of history and identity.
The use of the mirror in Edgar Allan Poe's "The Fall of the House of Usher" as a symbol of reflection and madness.
The symbol of the rose in William Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" as a representation of love and passion.
The use of the tree in Emily Bronte's "Wuthering Heights" as a symbol of nature and wildness.
The symbol of the heart in Charles Dickens' "Great Expectations" as a representation of love and redemption.
The use of the bird in Daphne du Maurier's "Rebecca" as a symbol of freedom and mystery.
The symbol of the mirror in Fyodor Dostoevsky's "Crime and Punishment" as a representation of guilt and self-reflection.
The use of the tree in George Orwell's "1984" as a symbol of rebellion and hope.
The symbol of the river in Alice Walker's "The Color Purple" as a representation of healing and transformation.
The use of the mirror in George Eliot's "Middlemarch" as a symbol of reflection and self-discovery.
The symbol of the rose in Charlotte Bronte's "Villette" as a representation of passion and desire.
The use of the tree in Gabriel Garcia Marquez's "Love in the Time of Cholera" as a symbol of growth and endurance.
The symbol of the heart in Leo Tolstoy's "Anna Karenina" as a representation of love and despair.
The use of the bird in Virginia Woolf's "To the Lighthouse" as a symbol of freedom and transcendence.
The symbol of the mirror in James Joyce's "Ulysses" as a representation of reflection and self-discovery.
The use of the tree in Franz Kafka's "The Metamorphosis" as a symbol of transformation and isolation.
The symbol of the rose in Sylvia Plath's poetry as a representation of beauty and decay.
The use of the heart in William Wordsworth's poetry as a symbol of nature and emotion.
The symbol of the bird in Gustave Flaubert's "Madame Bovary" as a representation of freedom and longing.
The use of the mirror in Leo Tolstoy's "War and Peace" as a symbol of reflection and self-discovery.
The symbol of the tree in Emily Dickinson's poems as a representation of growth and resilience.
The use of the rose in John Keats' poetry as a symbol of beauty and transience.
The symbol of the heart in Walt Whitman's poetry as a representation of love and unity.
The use of the bird in Robert Frost's poetry as a symbol of freedom and exploration.
The symbol of the mirror in Langston Hughes' poetry as a representation of reflection and self-discovery.
The use of the tree in Maya Angelou's poetry as a symbol of growth and endurance.
The symbol of the rose in Pablo Neruda's poetry as a representation of love and passion.
The use of the heart in Rumi's poetry as a symbol of spirituality and connection.
The symbol of the bird in Sylvia Plath's poetry as a representation of freedom and expression.
The use of the mirror in Emily Dickinson's poems as a symbol of reflection and self-discovery.
The symbol of the tree in W.B. Yeats' poetry as a representation of nature and mysticism.
The use of the rose in William Blake's poetry as a symbol of beauty and innocence.
The symbol of the heart in T.S. Eliot's poetry as a representation of love and longing.
The use of the bird in Emily Bronte's poetry as a symbol of freedom and escape.
The symbol of the mirror in Robert Browning's poetry as a representation of reflection and self-awareness.
The use of the tree in Christina Rossetti's poetry as a symbol of growth and renewal.
The symbol of the rose in John Donne's poetry as a representation of love and devotion.
The use of the heart in Elizabeth Barrett Browning's poetry as a

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110 Best Symbolism Essay Topics and Ideas

Table of Contents

Symbolism is important in literature and history. It holds significance beyond its literary terms. Symbolism has been used in all types of literature to add multiple layers to the structure of the texts. Additionally, symbolism adds emotion and imagery, defines characters, and hides darker meanings. Therefore, the study of this component of literature is necessary to get a deeper understanding of any literary text. If you want to write a paper on symbolism essay topics and are in search of some intriguing ideas, read this blog. Here, we have included some of the most impressive ideas on symbolism.

What is Symbolism?

Symbolism is a literary device that is used to embody things, words, people, locations, and abstract ideas beyond their literal meaning. Apart from literature, symbolism also plays a key role in our daily life.

For example, in traffic signals, red symbolizes stop; yellow or orange means to move slowly; and green means to go at normal speed. Similarly, logos symbolize different meanings that correspond to the ideas that the company wants to project. Likewise, red, white, and blue are symbols of patriotism in the USA. That is one of the reasons why many political parties use symbolism in their yard signs. In nature, orange and brown denote the fall season. Therefore, for many festivals and events such as Thanksgiving Day that take place during fall, these colors are prominently used.

Types of Symbolism in Literature

While the area under discussion in literature has changed with the ages, the definition of symbolism has remained constant. All symbolism is combined with the impression of a word or object demonstrating something beyond its literal meaning. Throughout history, authors, poets, playwrights, and lyricists have used different types of symbolism as listed below:

Religious symbolism: This has been the most constant “acceptable” type of symbolism throughout the history of literature, as it is usually authorized by religious authorities who have influenced society for a longer period of human existence. Religious symbolism dates back to most early human civilizations. Examples of literary religious symbolism are John Milton’s Paradise Lost and the Russian author Fyodor Dostoevsky’s The Brothers Karamazov, which are physical representations of the Holy Spirit.
Romantic symbolism: It has permeated wide tracks of world literature. From the Sonnets of Shakespeare to the contemporary paragraphs of Edna St. Vincent Millay, there has been a specifically productive road for romantic symbolism.
Emotional symbolism: Many authors and poets use physical symbolism to showcase metaphysical emotions. Stéphane Mallarmé and Paul Verlaine, the symbolists of the French language, are notable users of metaphysical symbolism. Similarly, in English, William Butler Yeats and Seamus Heaney are notable for using emotional symbolism.

Tips for Choosing a Good Symbolism Essay Topic

To write a symbolism-based essay, you must have a good topic. If it is hard for you to identify the ideal essay topic on symbolism, following these tips might help you spot the right topic.

Select a symbolism-related essay topic that interests you and has personal significance. This will make your writing more engaging and authentic.
Choose a symbol with various interpretations or meanings to facilitate a more in-depth investigation. You may discuss a novel, poem, or play that is rich in symbolism.
Consider the historical, cultural, or social context in which a symbol is employed because it may influence its meaning.
Select a symbol that indicates the significance of the text by appearing frequently in one or more texts.
Take into account the symbol’s intended use by the author and how it advances the main point of the essay.
Pick a symbol that allows you to investigate its meaning outside of the text by connecting it to a more general theme or problem.
To make your essay more captivating, choose a symbol that is relevant to the text or topic.
Avoid broad topics and instead concentrate on one aspect of the symbol’s meaning or application.
Investigate the symbol and its connotations to make sure you have sufficient proof to back up your claims.

List of Remarkable Symbolism Essay Topics

Are you looking for some noteworthy ideas for writing an essay on symbolism? If so, then take a look at these symbolic essay topics .

Best Symbolism Essay Topics

Would you wish to create an outstanding essay on symbolism? Pick a topic of your choice from the list of the best symbolism essay prompts suggested here.

How does symbolism represent the Death of a Salesman?
Utilizations of Symbolism and Imagery in O Captain! My Captain!
Symbolism in the play The Minister’s Black Veil by Nathaniel Hawthorne
“The Lake Isle of Innisfree”: Examination of Symbolism and Meaning
Draw a summary and examine the Symbolism in “Joyas Voladoras” by Brian Doyle.
Write about 3 literary works where symbolism has been used significantly.
Analyze the biblical references and symbolism in Billy Budd.
How has Charlotte Perkins Gilman used symbolism in “The Yellow Wallpaper”?
Analyze the types of Symbolism present in “The Birthmark” and “The Minister’s Black Veil.”
Explore the use of symbolism and themes in “A Rose for Emily” by W. Faulkner.
Shed light on the changing character of the Narrator in “The Yellow Wallpaper.”

Also read: Interesting Romeo and Juliet Essay Topics to Write About

Engaging Symbolism Essay Ideas

The symbolism essay you prepare should be fascinating and thought-provoking to your readers. So, to achieve that, compose your essay on any of the below-listed captivating topics related to symbolism in literature.

What is the significance of Symbolism and Realism in Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert?
Identify the importance of the employment of symbolism in the poem, beginning with the lines, “I Wondered Lonely as a Cloud”.
Analyze the use of tone, imagery, and symbolism in William Shakespeare’s Sonnet 18.
“ The tone of Sonnet 18 is all about the romantic intimacy of a young man fascinated by a woman’s beauty .” – Describe the truth of this statement.
How did Arthur Miller use Symbolism in “Death of a Salesman”?
Determine the setting, symbolism, and character of Young Goodman Brown.
Shed light on the symbolism and themes of Imperialism in Shooting an Elephant.
Describe what the dragons symbolize in Chinese art and culture.

Interesting Symbolism Essay Topics

To compose an essay on symbolism, choose a relevant topic that aligns with your interest so that you may enjoy your essay writing process and showcase your creativity. These are some symbolism-based essay titles that might be exciting for you to analyze and write about.

Analyze how far the use of Symbols and Examples of Imagery in Things Fall Apart is accurate.
“Iceberg Principle and Landscape Symbolism Unveil the Growth of the Character” Do you agree with the statement? If yes, then elucidate on it.
What does public transportation symbolize in “On the Streetcar” and Washington Square?
Find the symbolism of the voyage in “The Road Not Taken” by Frost, “A Worn Path” by Welty, and “I Used to Live Here Once” by Rhys.
How did James Joyce use symbolism in “Araby”?
Explore the setting, character development, and symbolism in the Play A Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen.
Shed light on the use of Imagery and Symbolism in “Good Country People.”
Highlight how W. B. Yeats presented Modernism through Symbolism and Imagery in his works.

Impressive Symbolism Essay Questions

In this section, we have shared a collection of impressive essay questions on symbolism. By writing essays on attractive symbolism-related topics, you may develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and creativity.

How was symbolism used in “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight”?
What does snow symbolize in a story? Exemplify a story where snow is used as a symbol.
How were silver and gold symbolized in The Great Gatsby?
State how P.B. Shelley and W. Blake use symbolism in Ozymandias and The Sick Rose.
Shed light on the Characterization and Symbolism of the Play Antigone.
What does water symbolize in Christianity and Islam?
Analyze the religious symbolism present in Renaissance Paintings.
How does symbolism make viewers reconsider products in advertising?
Illustrate the various symbols and superstitions used in Architecture and Design.
How did Rohinton Mistry deal with symbolism in “A Fine Balance”?
What are the rituals and symbols of Holy Communion?
Analyze the History and Symbolism of the Japanese Tea Ceremony?

Simple Symbolism Essay Topics for Students

To help students with identifying a potential essay topic on symbolism, below we have presented a list of simple essay titles based on literary symbolism. From the list, pick any topic and effortlessly compose your essay after an in-depth examination.

Symbolism and Importance of Mecca to People of the World
How did Hemingway use Symbolism in his short story “ Hills Like White Elephants “?
Shed light on the use of themes and symbolism in “ Fahrenheit 451 .”
How did Harriet Jacobs use Symbolism in “ Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl “?
Explore the use of Symbolism in “ Heart of Darkness ” by Joseph Conrad.
Did the symbolism used in the play “ A Doll’s House ” by Henrik Ibsen add any value to the story?
Analyze the value and relationship between theatrical plays and symbolism.
Examine the importance of symbolism and foreshadowing in “ Romeo and Juliet “.
Justify the use of landscape symbolism in Hemingway’s “ Hills Like White Elephants “.
Find out and explain the themes and symbolism in the poem ‘ The Dream of the Rood’.

Excellent Research Topics about Symbolism

Do you need excellent literature research paper topics on symbolism? If so, get help from the list uploaded here. In the list, we have included some distinct topics about symbolism that are worth investigating.

“Krik? Krak!” by Edwidge Danticat: Analyze the popular themes and symbolism
How did Kate Chopin use imagery and symbolism in “Story of an Hour”?
Find the connection between Image and meaning. Symbolism, Myths, and ideology
Analyze the use of Symbolism in “Everyday Use” by Walker and “Worn Path” by Welty.
What Socio-Political Symbolism did Baum use in ‘The Wonderful Wizard of Oz?
Find the type of Symbolism in Hemingway’s “Hills Like White Elephants.”
Analyze the Description and Symbolism in Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Black Cat.”
Find the connection between Dream Symbolism, the Epic of Gilgamesh, and Sigmund Freud.
Examine Yusef Komunyakaa’s use of Symbolism and Imagery in “Facing It”.
What is the use of symbolism in Frost’s “Unharvested” and Bishop’s “The Fish”?

Informative Symbolism Essay Topics

The symbolism essay you prepare should widen the knowledge of your readers. Therefore, to create an informative essay on symbolism, choose any of the following topics that have good educational value.

Traits of Character Modification and the Use of Symbolism in Emily’s Grierson
What is the symbolism of Color in “Mulholland Drive” by David Lynch?
How did Gunter Grass use symbolism in “The Tin Drum”?
Find Guterson’s use of Symbolism in Snow Falling on Cedars.
Explore the symbolism of Death in “The Naked City” Film and “Manhattan Transfer” Novel.
How is the house symbolized in The Symbolism of the House in “Rose for Emily” by Faulkner?
Find the significance of Architecture and Symbolism in The Taj Mahal.
Imagery and symbolism of home in literature: The Most Crucial but Underestimated Things in Human Life
Explain the concepts of Realism and Symbolism in Scholasticism.
Write an account of Symbolism in Architecture from the Past.
Examine the symbolism and significance of food in various cultures and traditions.
Write about the symbolism of the forest in Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”
Explain the significance of the color white in Herman Melville’s “Moby-Dick”
Examine the symbolism of the rose in Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter.
Explore the symbolism and characteristics associated with astrological signs.

Also read: Remarkable Photosynthesis Essay Topics

Unique Symbolism Essay Topics

If you want your symbolism essay to be noticeable in your class, then write about any unexplored topics shared here. Writing an essay on unique symbolism topics will help you showcase originality, creativity, and insight.

How is symbolism used in O’Connor’s “A Good Man Is Hard to Find”?
Find out the story, plot, and symbolism of the “Othello” film.
How is symbolism used as the primary Literary Tool in “The Other Family” by Bannerji?
Importance of symbolism in the “Get Out” Movie.
Explore the use of symbolism in the film “The Wizard of Oz.”
Where is the Tabernacle used in the Old Testament, and how is it symbolized?
The Role of Symbolism In “Young Goodman Brown” by Hawthorne
Significance of symbolism in “Désirée’s” Baby by Kate Chopin
Why does most American fiction use strangers as symbols?
Explore the significance of symbolism in “Bartleby, the Scrivener” by Herman Melville.
Discuss the symbolism of the American flag in contemporary society
What is the role of symbolism in conveying themes of identity and belonging in literature?
Explore the symbolism of the snake in different cultures and its representation of renewal and transformation
Discuss the symbolism and significance of tattoos and body art.
Explain the use of water symbolism in literature and its connection to themes of purification and transformation

The Bottom Line

In a symbolism essay, you may deeply explore the meaning of literary works. The list of fascinating symbolism essay topics we have recommended in this blog will be helpful for you in composing a thought-provoking essay that demonstrates your knowledge of the author’s intended meaning. So, from the list, remember to choose a topic that speaks to you, and don’t be hesitant to investigate the complexities of symbolism in literature. Particularly, when writing a symbolism essay, you need to present clear arguments after a rigorous study and reveal the underlying meanings that contribute to the literature’s richness. If it is challenging for you to write a creative essay on symbolism, get help from the literary experts on our team. As per your needs, our specialists will guide you in drafting an excellent symbolism-based essay deserving of top grades.

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