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How Is Symbolism Used in Writing?

Symbols are used to express concepts -- literal or figurative, obvious or hidden. They most often convey an idea or abstract concept. A writer may use symbolism to convey his thoughts or feelings with a greater force or a more subtle nuance than could be garnered with a simple factual description. Symbols are often a viable substitute for metaphor, telling a story within a story and sending a message in an almost subliminal way.

Color Symbols
- Colors are among the most often used symbols in the written word. One of the most common and easily recognized is black -- conveying evil, death and things "un-good." Another familiar color, red, generally portrays heat, passion, danger and sometimes immorality. White tends to be associated with innocence, purity or things that are good. Green can symbolize envy, growth or new life and naivete.
Season Symbols
- The seasons are frequently connected to the cycle of life. Spring is used to give the reader a sense of births and new beginnings --- youth, health and enthusiasm. It can also illustrate innocence. Summer is commonly used to portray maturity, knowledge or warmth of emotion. As life begins its decline, authors favor autumn as an ideal symbol, while winter is generally employed to depict illness, death, loneliness and frigidity.
Weather Symbols
- Weather used as symbolism in literature is loosely tied in with the seasons. Rain combined with gray skies can communicate sadness and depression or simply a desire for calm, quiet moments; while a rainy, sunny spring morning can cause the reader to envision new, bright, hopeful beginnings. Snow can bring to mind coldness, but also warmth if paired with fireplaces, hot cocoa and good friends. Threatening skies can stand for conflict or dramatic change, often associated with evil. A sunny day causes the reader to think of life, labors, energy or happiness. Rainbows portend promise and rebirth.
Animal Symbols
- Animals are often used to bring ideas to the reader's mind, particularly in writings of the supernatural, horror or even the spiritual. Doves portray peace, purity, love, promise and marriage. Owls are almost always employed as symbols of wisdom and knowledge. If the writer wants to have the reader imagine innocence or vulnerability, she will usually tell of a lamb; conversely, she uses a wolf to symbolize one who preys upon the innocent. Cats and foxes serve to illustrate those who are sly and underhanded, while mice tend to bring a meek or dull person to the mind's eye. Lions and peacocks are used as symbols of pride, the former bringing strength to the story and the latter vanity.

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