symbols,+symbolism

T. Barter, L. Nguyen, L. Navarro, A. Norimatsu, A. Varma - Period 5

Symbol/Symbolism

Generally, anything that represents or stands for something else. Usually, a symbol of something concrete- such as an object, action, character, or scene- that represents something more abstract. However, symbols and symbolism can much more complex. One system classifies symbols in three categories:

1. Natural Symbols: They use objects and occurences from nature to represent ideas commonly associated with them (dawn symbolizing hope or a new beginning, a rose symbolizing love, a tree symbolizing knowledge).

2. Conventional Symbols: They are those that have been invested with meaning by group (religious symbols, such as a cross or Star of David; national symbols, such as a falg or an eagle; or group symbols, such as skull and cross-bones for pirates or the scales of justice for lawyers).

3. Literary Symbols: They are sometimes also conventional in the sense that thtey are found in a variety f works and are generally recognized. However, a work's symbols may be more complicated as is the whale in Moby Dickand the jungle in Heart of Darkness. On the AP exam, try to determine what abstractin an object is a symbol for and to what extent it is successful in representing that abstraction.

Symbolism - 1. the practice of representing things by symbols, or of investing things with a symbolic meaning or character. 2. a set or system of symbols. 3. symbolic meaning or character. 4. the principles and practice of symbolists in art or literature. 5. (initial capital letter) a movement of the late 19th century in French art and literature. Compare symbolist (defs. 3b, 4b). 6. the use of any of certain special figures or marks of identification to signify a religious message or divine being, as the cross for Christ and the Christian faith.

Taken From: www.Dictionary.com

Examples:

Why America is Fat




Heart can symbolize love



Symbolizes pirates.