Description
Essay Assignment: Analyzing Symbolism in Literary Texts
Symbolism is the use of symbols to signify ideas and qualities by giving them symbolic meanings that are different from their literal sense.
Symbolism can take different forms. Generally, it is an object representing another, to give an entirely different meaning that is much deeper and more significant. For instance, “smile” is a symbol of friendship. Similarly, the action of someone smiling at you may stand as a symbol of the feeling of affection which that person has for you.
ASSIGNMENT: Compare Nathaniel Hawthorne’s “Young Goodman Brown,” and A.S. Byatt’s “The Thing in the Forest” by exploring the role symbolism plays in each.
Your analysis should address the following questions:
- How do you derive your interpretation of the symbolic meaning?
- What is the extent of the meaning?
- Does the symbol undergo modification or new purpose if it reappears?
- How does the symbol affect your understanding of the story?
- How does the symbol add strength or depth to the story?
Be sure to explain the significance of each use of symbolism mentioned in your analysis.
The following stories are mandatory for this prompt:
- Nathaniel Hawthorne’s “Young Goodman Brown” (Blackboard)
- S. Byatt’s “The Thing in the Forest” (Textbook)
The thesis statement must relay a coherent argument based on your symbolic annotations about two different literary texts.
For example: In the Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling, the author uses symbolism extensively. Harry’s scar is symbolic of his bravery, like a badge of honor. After all, he survives major battle after major battle, but it is multi-faceted because one could argue it also symbolizes emotional sensitivity, since it hurts when someone directs hate towards him. You might notice in Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter that the letter “A” symbolizes adultery. As a result, you might conclude that the use of symbolism, as interpreted by the characters, may create conflict within a story.
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