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Symbolism

Definition: Using an object to represent something else. Usually a “concrete” object (like color, figures or events), will represent an “abstract” object (like feelings, ideas, thoughts or beliefs). Attaching a specific meaning to an object, relationship or event. Symbolism.

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Symbolism

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  1. Definition: Using an object to represent something else. Usually a “concrete” object (like color, figures or events), will represent an “abstract” object (like feelings, ideas, thoughts or beliefs). Attaching a specific meaning to an object, relationship or event. Symbolism “Symbolism is no mere idle fancy or corrupt degeneration; it is inherent in the very texture of human life. Language itself is a symbolism.” - Afred North Whitehead

  2. Where do we find symbolism? The short answer: EVERYWHERE Examples from everyday life: Recycling, Restrooms, Traffic signals, Body Language, Sign Language • Advertising/Logos, also called “branding” • Target: Bull’s-eye (You will get exactly what you need) Immediate association with a particular meaning – any time you see this image or gesture, even without words, you automatically understand.

  3. Product Branding/Marketing Shoe examples Car example (flipside) In 1972 Chevrolet introduced the Nova – upon being released in Mexico, it sold poorly, because No Va in Spanish means “doesn’t go.” (rumor)

  4. But it’s not just stores/products… Mascots Bands Orangemen • Big Chief Bill Orange (1931 in The Syracuse OrangePeel – the local newspaper published that his remains were found under the girls’ gymnasium). Evolved when the Native American icon was considered derogatory. • Rolling Stones: Considered first to “brand” music. • The designer hired to develop the icon was immediately struck by the * of Mick Jaggers lips and tongue.

  5. School related: Global: Math: Earth Science: Most recognizableof all religious symbols. Stands for Christianity – represents not only the trinity, but Christ’s death. Weather Patterns, etc. Functions, like Addition, etc.

  6. Other Popular Symbols: LOVE • Emotions were thought to come from the heart – shape is similar to human heart. PEACE • Came from design for nuclear disarmament  Sign God used (with olive branch in mouth) to tell Noah the flood was over. Are usually white in color

  7. Literature: Start taking notes here • Like any literary device used by an author, symbolism helps give the writing a particular mood or feeling in a way that is more creative, appealing, and interesting to read, than just “spelling it out.”

  8. Popular Symbols Continued… • Death/Danger (used on pirate flags and boxes of poison) – All that’s left of you when you die • Justice/Equality/Fairness – Scales balance • Safety/Hope – think of what it means to be “grounded” • Purity/Money & Possessions – Purest form of food (most basic), and symbolized you could afford it.

  9. American Symbols Freedom/Patriotism/Faith • Colors = Red (hardiness & valor), White (purity & innocence), Blue (vigilance, perseverance, justice) • Stars and Stripes = goals • Symbols on dollar bill were chosen to represent our newly founded country – Scales = justice, 13 Stars = original colonies, Key = authority, Pyramid = strength, shown unfinished because our country is “unfinished” (Masonic symbols, current bill designed in 1957)

  10. Animals: Cats and Dogs Strength/Pride/Power/ Speed/Agility/Courage/Royalty – CoordinationKing of Beasts Loyalty/Friendship Dual meaning: Positive and negative connotation

  11. Animals: Birds • Albatross – tend to follow ships – became symbolic of guilt and sin • Eagle – King of birds/Warrior (like lion), considered perfect • Raven & Vulture (like worms and snakes)Evil/Death/Decay/DiseaseDestruction/Low/Vile • Birds in general = freedom, while Birds in a cage = being trapped

  12. Seasons/Night and Day Evil/Mystery/ Birth/Rebirth Unseen dangers Growth/Warmth/ Knowledge Knowledge/ Aging/Maturity/ Awareness Wealth (harvest) Death

  13. Nature: Flowers and Trees • Flowers – Beauty/Purity/Love/Innocence/Goodness/Vulnerability (bloom = growth) • Trees – Peacefulness & simplicity, growth & strength

  14. Nature: Moon, Sun, Rain, Fire, & Ice Change Intellect/Clarity/Life & Energy/Power/Strength Dual meaning: Bad Luck, but also cleansing Chaos, confusion, fear, wildness, change, destructionPassion, renewal (ironically, not destruction) Coldness (personality), Sin

  15. Colors Anger/war/Devil/Love/ Passion/Embarrassment Death/Evil/ Decay/Hate/ Joy/Happiness/Imagination/ Destruction Hope/Optimism Jealousy/Envy/Growth/ Peace/Purity Illness Goodness/ Joy Sadness/Life/Calm/ Peacefulness/Heaven Nobility/Royalty/Power Youth

  16. Extended Metaphor/Symbolism • Allegory • Motif

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