What is symbolism: A complete guide to meaning in English literature

Mik aka NatureCrankByMik aka NatureCrank Updated on
An open antique book on a wooden desk with glowing symbols like a dove, crown, and lightbulb floating above the pages in a library.
Literary symbolism connects concrete objects to abstract meanings.
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Symbolism is a literary device where an author uses a concrete object, person, place, or action to represent an abstract idea. It allows writers to layer deep meaning into a story without explicitly stating it, turning a simple narrative into a meaningful study of life and emotion.

In the English language, symbolism serves as a bridge between the literal and the figurative. While a physical object remains exactly what it is, it also takes on a secondary, deeper significance that reflects the themes of the work.

Why authors use symbolism

Authors use symbols as a shorthand for complex emotions. Instead of writing several paragraphs about a character’s loss of innocence, a writer might describe a once-vibrant garden withering in the frost. This engages the reader’s intuition and makes the themes of a book more memorable and resonant.

Types of symbolism in literature and writing

  • Universal symbolism: These are symbols with widely recognized meanings across cultures. For example, a white dove almost always represents peace, while a red rose typically signals romantic love.
  • Contextual symbolism: This type of symbolism is unique to a specific story. An object might be mundane in real life, but the author gives it special meaning through repetition.
  • Character symbolism: Sometimes, an entire character represents an idea. This is common in allegories, where figures might stand for “Greed,” “Justice,” or “Purity.”
  • Color symbolism: Colors are powerful tools in English writing. Green can imply envy or new growth, while purple often suggests royalty or wisdom.

Common symbols and their meanings in English literature

This table provides a quick reference for frequently used literary symbols and how they are typically applied.

SymbolCommon abstract meaningExample context
WaterRebirth, cleansing, or the passage of timeA character crossing a river to start a new life
LightKnowledge, hope, or truthA lamp flickered on during a moment of realization
WinterDeath, stagnation, or old ageA story ending during a harsh blizzard
LaddersAmbition or a connection between worldsA character climbing to achieve a higher social status
MirrorSelf-reflection, vanity, or hidden truthsA character seeing a distorted version of themselves

Pro-tip: Keep a symbol reference guide on your desk. For a comprehensive look at over 2,000 motifs, I recommend The Complete Dictionary of Symbols. It’s an essential tool for identifying hidden meanings in complex texts.

How to use symbolism in your own writing

If you want to incorporate symbolism into your creative writing or essays, follow these practical steps to ensure your themes land with the reader:

  1. Identify your core theme: Before picking a symbol, decide what your story is actually about. Is it about betrayal? Growth? Freedom?
  2. Choose “organic” objects: The best symbols feel natural to the setting. If your story takes place in a desert, a thirsty plant is a more effective symbol than a rainy window.
  3. Use the “show, don’t tell” rule: Don’t explain the symbol to the reader. Describe the object’s appearance or how the character interacts with it, and let the audience draw their own conclusions.
  4. Repeat for emphasis: A one-time mention of an object is just imagery. When that object reappears at pivotal moments in the plot, it becomes a symbol.
  5. Action step: Use a dedicated journal to map out your symbols. Many writers prefer a dot grid notebook like the Leuchtturm1917 to sketch out how symbols evolve throughout their chapters.

Symbolism vs. metaphor: What is the difference?

While they are related, symbolism and metaphor are not identical. A metaphor is a direct comparison (e.g., “The classroom was a zoo”), whereas symbolism is an ongoing representation where an object maintains its literal reality while standing for something else.

Frequently asked questions about symbolism

The primary purpose is to communicate abstract concepts—like grief, power, or corruption—through concrete objects. This allows a writer to “show, don’t tell,” creating a more immersive experience. Instead of stating a character is losing their mind, an author might describe a house falling into disrepair to symbolize a crumbling mental state.

This is a common debate in literary circles. A detail becomes a symbol through repetition and emphasis. If a character mentions a specific blue vase once, it’s likely just setting the scene. If the vase is mentioned in every chapter, breaks during a climax, or is described with intense emotional language, it is almost certainly a symbol.

While they are related, they serve different functions:

  • Symbolism refers to a specific object or image representing an idea (e.g., a mockingbird representing innocence).
  • A motif is a recurring element—such as a phrase, a sound, or a situation—that helps develop the story’s theme. Think of it this way: a symbol is the “thing,” and the motif is the “pattern” created by that thing or other recurring ideas.

Yes. This is known as ambiguous symbolism or ambiguity. In many great works of English literature, symbols are intentionally complex. For example, a storm can symbolize both a terrifying destruction and a necessary “cleansing” or new beginning. The meaning often depends on the reader’s interpretation and the context of the scene.

Not necessarily. Many writers use symbols subconsciously because certain images are deeply embedded in our collective culture. Furthermore, Reader-Response Theory suggests that if a reader finds a valid symbolic connection supported by the text, that meaning is legitimate, even if the author didn’t explicitly plan it.

An allegory is a narrative where every element—characters, setting, and plot—serves as a symbol for a larger moral or political message (like Animal Farm). Symbolism, however, usually involves individual symbols within a story that is not necessarily allegorical as a whole.

To avoid “heavy-handed” symbolism, use objects that are natural to your story’s setting. Instead of using a predictable symbol like a red rose for love, look for something unique to your character—perhaps a worn-out recipe book that symbolizes their connection to a lost parent.

To write a high-scoring analysis, follow the “ICE” method:

  1. Identify the symbol (the concrete object).
  2. Connect it to a theme (the abstract idea).
  3. Explain how the author’s description of that object changes our understanding of the character or plot.

Elevating your writing through symbolism

Symbolism is more than just a literary trick for English classrooms; it is a fundamental tool for any storyteller looking to add resonance and depth to their work. By mastering the use of concrete objects to represent abstract ideas, you invite your readers to engage with your writing on a much deeper, more personal level. Whether you are writing a short story, a poem, or a persuasive essay, a well-placed symbol can stay with an audience long after they finish reading.

Join the conversation: What are your favorite symbols?

We want to hear from you. Is there a specific symbol in a book or movie that completely changed how you viewed the story? Or perhaps you are struggling to find the right symbolic image for a project you are currently working on?

Leave a comment below with your thoughts or questions. If you found this guide helpful, please share it with a fellow writer or student to help them sharpen their literary analysis skills. For more tips on mastering English writing devices, explore our related guides on metaphors and simile.

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Mik aka NatureCrank

About the author
Mik is a veteran, educator, and writer who has lived off-grid and nomadic since 2020. His perspective is shaped by a diverse career in both for-profit and non-profit management, as well as years of experience as an instructor in biology, psychology, health, and ESL.

By blending his formal studies in counseling and science with the practical realities of life on the trail, Mik provides a unique, grounded approach to nature-based healing. When he isn’t documenting the natural world through wildlife photography and geology, he is exploring the intersection of scientific research and the restorative power of the outdoors.

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