Symbolism in Literature, Pop Culture, & Daily Life

A symbol is worth a thousand words. No, really. Instead of getting into the hefty details trying to explain the context and influence behind a concept, symbolism allows you to get the idea across with fewer words and more meaning. Plus, understanding and using symbols can quickly enhance your reading, writing, and artistic skills.

Not only are symbols valuable, but they are everywhere. A symbol is multifaceted in its definition and usage, making it one of the most common linguistic and visual tools out there. In this article, we’ll discuss symbolism in all its glory, including how to define it and where to spot it in literature, culture, and your everyday life.

In general, a symbol is defined as something that represents something else. If that definition sounds vague to you, that’s because it is. A symbol can be used in a variety of ways: 

- It can be a marking, such as the letters, figures, and characters seen in mathematics, physics, and language.

- In literature, a symbol is often a word, phrase, or description that carries a complex meaning or deepened perception outside of the initial idea.

- Symbols can also appear as visual depictions of something else entirely, as seen in signs, emblems, illustrations, and images.

Since symbols are so diverse in their expression, it’s also important to note that many symbols may change meaning when the context is changed. To depict if something is symbolic or not, the context is essential. For example, an everyday expression used in the United States may carry a negative connotation in another language and culture:

 - Throwing a thumbs up to a friend (or even a stranger) in the U.S. is considered a positive or light-hearted expression. But in many countries, such as those in Latin America, the Middle East, and many other regions, a thumbs up symbolizes the expression “up yours!” ‒ much like the middle finger.

A symbol can be so specific to a language or culture that it loses meaning when translated or understood in a literal sense. Take the following symbolic words commonly used in the English language, for example:

- A door is symbolic of a new opportunity or direction.

- To compute can be used in place of thinking or understanding.

- A path is often referred to as the sequence of events in someone’s life.

- A mask is not only a physical item but can also refer to someone hiding their true self.

Throughout the ages, literature has blazed a trail for the use and expansion of symbolism throughout the ages, with many famous works weaving symbolic messages into our culture, customs, and daily life. One of the most well-known examples of this is The Bible. Many people may correlate an image of a snake with evil and a lamb with innocence without realizing they’re biblical symbols.

There are whole lists full of conventional symbols, wherein the meaning is widely agreed upon and used throughout literature and storytelling traditions. Here are just a handful:

Poetry is a sector of literature riddled with symbolism. In fact, a core feature of both poetry and symbolism is the ability to layer several meanings into one concept. Let’s take a look at a few poems together to put this idea into practice.

The first paragraph of Wordsworth’s poem is a beautiful example of symbolism. Daffodils are used here to symbolize rebirth or a new beginning, which coincides with the symbolism of spring. Since daffodils are the first flower to bloom after winter, their dancing may symbolize the welcoming of new beginnings (and prosperous ones at that, since he describes them as golden).

In this poem, Shelley symbolizes loneliness and lovelessness with the plight of the moon. The moon is alone in the sky, “wandering companionless” and sitting among stars that bear no relation. Shelley makes the moon a symbol for those of us who may be surrounded by people but lack a deep connection with any of them, thus going through life alone.

In this simple yet powerful poem, Davies symbolizes the reality of unfair class divides with the image of raindrops falling on leaves. You may be able to recognize this symbol with his use of the words “rich” and “poor” and how he describes those “on top” giving those who are “beneath” mere droplets of the downpour.

Classic American and British Fiction are also closely studied for their rigorous use of symbolism. Symbols created in classic literature are often so influential that they become part of the cultural zeitgeist, making their way into other works of writing and art. Here are just a few examples of powerful symbols written in American and British Literature.

The color green in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby is a famous example of symbolism. It is commonly associated with Gatsby’s desire (and jealousy) for Daisy, his wealth, and the American Dream.

Virginia Woolf’s The Yellow Wallpaper is a symbol of a patriarchal society. The yellow wallpaper she describes is decaying and torn, and a woman's figure also happens to be trapped within the paper. This strong and bitter image is symbolic of women being trapped by the patriarchy's many restrictions on them.

The rose bush in Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter symbolizes the main character, Hester, who is labeled as an adulterer by a Puritan society. Hester relates to the rose bush since they are beautiful yet hard to control. The rose bush also gives her hope since roses are resilient perennials that come back year after year.

Symbols are basically what diversity and culture revolve around, as seen with flags, anthems, and traditions. Cultural symbols can even share an appearance but be completely different in meaning. The whirl log is an excellent example of this, a symbol used by Native Americans that represented good luck, protection, and well-being before it was used by Nazi Germany for the swastika.

Colors are one of the most commonly used symbols ‒ just look at traffic lights. Cultural context is also essential for something as universal as color, though. For example, countries like China, India, Cambodia, Ethiopia, and areas of Japan gravitate toward white for funerals and mourning, whereas many countries in the West see black as symbolic of death and dress accordingly.

Pop culture is ripe with symbolic meaning. You’ll find symbols everywhere in songs, movies, and TV shows if you pay attention. Here are a few to get you thinking:

Two-Face in Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight is a fantastic symbol of the duality of human nature and the fall of humanity given such dark circumstances. 

The labyrinth in Guillermo del Toro’s Pan’s Labyrinth is full of rich symbolism, most notably how something so innocent for a child can be turned sour by the dark forces of humanity. The child’s escape becomes a trap, and her play becomes terror.

The major 2012 hit “Gangnam Style” by Psy presents a symbolic message that was largely unnoticed. Gangnam is a region of Seoul, South Korea that represents an affluent upper class and the deep urban segregation caused by this community. 

The more you know about symbolism, the more you’ll see examples of it happening all around you. Since symbolism is so prevalent in culture, it’s no surprise that symbols can be found in everyday life. Take these common examples:

Marriage is a prime example of symbolism. The entire premise of a wedding ceremony is based on symbols that represent love and commitment. The bride wears white because it symbolizes purity; both parties wear a ring, which symbolizes the circular force of eternity and the unbreakable bond of the metal.

Speaking of jewelry, many people gift or pass down jewelry to symbolize their love or commitment, whether it’s romantic or not. A piece of jewelry can remain a symbol for a particular someone long after they’ve passed.

On a more practical note, road signs are another common symbol seen every day. If you see a sign on the road with an abstract design with no explanation, yet you know precisely what it means, that’s symbolism at work!

Now that you know your symbol, it’s important to avoid confusing it with other (similar) literary devices. Allegories and metaphors are closely linked to symbols, making them the easiest to confuse. Here are some simple differences to help you differentiate the three. 

Where a symbol simply represents something else, a metaphor compares two things in hopes that you’ll see their relationship. Symbolism is usually felt or understood on a deeper level, whereas metaphors happen on a surface level by using language to prove a point.

Allegories use both symbolism and metaphors to make a larger point. An allegory encompasses the entire plot of a story, poem, or picture and reveals a hidden narrative, usually political or moral in nature.

Who knew one linguistic concept could weave its way into so many different facets of life? Now that you know the definition of a symbol and can cite examples of where to find symbolism in literature, culture, and daily life, nothing is stopping you! Keep symbolism in mind as you learn new things, read books, write, make art, and observe the world around you ‒ you’ll be surprised at how much this knowledge can enrich your life!