September 17, 2009
No CommentsWhat Is Symbolism
Description
A detailed explanation of symbolism as it relates to art and literature. Several detailed real world examples of the use of symbolism.
Overview
Symbolism is the use of symbols or objects to represent abstract ideas or emotions. In literature symbolism often appears in the form of a metaphor or a simile. In art, symbolism is often more apparent becasuse of its visual presentation. Strong symbolism is usually denoted by many underlying meanings that are usually more subtle than the main representation.
A good example of this is the metaphor snow is a blanket. Initially this symbolism represents that like a blanket, snow covers everything. The more subtle meaning tells us that not only does a blanket cover, but it also reveals what is underneath by displacing itself in the shape of the objects it covers. Snow does this as well making it a stronger use of symbolism.
