Roopa Banerjee
For those who have read The Great Gatsby by American writer F. Scott Fitzgerald, the green light at the end of Daisy Buchanan’s dock isn’t just a light — it represents Gatsby’s hopes and immeasurable dreams. That green light is symbolism in action.
Symbolism is a literary device where an object, person, or situation represents something much more than its literal meaning. It allows authors to convey complex themes subtly and thus adds depth to narrative. Through symbolism, writers evoke emotions, create layers of meaning, and provide insights into characters and storylines.
The word symbolism originates from the Greek word symbolon, meaning “token” or “mark.” In ancient times, a symbolon was a split object — each half given to two different people as a sign of unity or agreement. Over time, the concept evolved into using objects and imagery to represent abstract ideas.
One of the most well-known examples of symbolism in literature is in To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. The mockingbird represents innocence and goodness. Atticus Finch tells his children, “Mockingbirds don’t do one thing but make music for us to enjoy… they sing their hearts out for us. That’s why it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird.” This suggests that harming innocent people, such as Tom Robinson and Boo Radley, is unjust and cruel.
Another example in literature is the conch shell in Lord of the Flies by William Golding which represents law, order, and civilisation. As the boys descend into savagery, the conch loses its power, and when it is finally shattered, it symbolises the complete breakdown of society.
However, symbolism is not limited to literature — it’s widely used in films, television, and music. In Harry Potter, J.K. Rowling uses the Deathly Hallows symbol — a triangle, circle, and straight line — to represent three legendary magical objects: the Elder Wand, Resurrection Stone, and Invisibility Cloak. Beyond that, it symbolises power, loss, and destiny. Another striking example is the symbolism of the snake which appears at various points in the saga, from Voldemort’s Nagini to the Slytherin house which stand for evil.
Similarly, in The Lion King, the circle of life symbolises nature’s balance and the inevitability of birth, death, and renewal. The entire story follows this concept, showing how our actions impact the world around us and how leadership carries the responsibility of maintaining balance.
Hindi movies have also used symbolism to a high degree. The film Pakeezah shows the recurring imagery of a train which symbolises the protagonist Sahibjaan’s longing for freedom from the constraints of her courtesan life.
We see symbolism in our daily lives as it extends far beyond literature and entertainment. Colours have symbolic meanings as red signifies love or danger, while white is associated with purity and peace. Objects carry symbolic weight — the wedding ring represents commitment, doves peace, and a broken mirror bad luck. Intangible gestures and actions can also be symbolic. A handshake signifies agreement, while a raised fist resistance or solidarity.
Symbolism enriches storytelling by creating deeper meanings and emotional resonance. Whether in literature, films, or daily interactions, symbolism shapes our understanding of the world, helping us draw connections between the tangible and the abstract.
Exercise:
Many books use strong symbolism in objects. Here are five symbols. Identify the books they are used in:
Symbols:
- Miss Havisham’s Wedding dress
- The White Whale
- Big Brother
- Rabbit hole
- Road
Answers
- Great Expectations by Charles Dickens. Symbolises decay, obsession and the passage of time.
- Moby Dick by Herman Melville. Symbolises obsession, the unknown, and the struggle against fate.
- 1984 by George Orwell. Symbolises government surveillance and authoritarian control.
- Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll. Symbolises the unknown, and the journey into a surreal world.
- The Road by Cormac McCarthy. Symbolises survival, hope, and journey of life in a post-apocalyptic world.
