symbolism
Meaning through images
Symbolism is the use of symbols to represent ideas, qualities, or concepts beyond their literal meaning.
A dove may stand for peace, a skull for death.
Writers, artists, and filmmakers employ symbolism to add layers of meaning: The novel's water imagery carries obvious symbolism about rebirth.
The term also describes the practice of interpreting things symbolically: Critics have found Christian symbolism throughout the work. (Capitalized Symbolism is a 19th-century artistic movement.)
Instructive allegorical narrative
- fableMoral tale with animals
- allegorySymbolic tale with deeper meaning
- metaphorImplied identity comparison
- simileComparison via "as"
analogy · personification · imagery · allusion · figurative · connotation · synecdoche · metonymy
Vivid descriptive language
- motifRecurring thematic element
- archetypeOriginal model for copies
- allegorySymbolic tale with deeper meaning
- foreshadowingHinting at later events
leitmotif · conceit · emblem · theme · narrative · subtext · allusion · irony
Worthy of reverence
- ritualCeremonial set of actions
- totemSpiritual clan symbol
- mythologyBody of traditional tales
- divinitySacred nature or nougat-like sweet
deity · worship · idolatry · piety · doctrine · sacrament · iconography · crucifix
Analysis of artistic symbols
Representational sign or device
- flagCloth symbol or signal
- crestHighest point or tuft
- insigniaDistinguishing mark of rank
- badgeWorn symbol of membership
seal · logo · shield · banner · standard · sigil · monogram · hallmark
Assigned meaning
- significanceQuality of mattering
- meaningWhat something signifies
- depthDistance below surface
- nuanceSlight shade of difference
layers · complexity · essence · substance · abstraction · insight · profoundness · intricacy
parable
Instructive allegorical narrative
- fableMoral tale with animals
- allegorySymbolic tale with deeper meaning
- metaphorImplied identity comparison
simile · analogy · personification · imagery · allusion · figurative · connotation · synecdoche · metonymy · subtext
imagery
Vivid descriptive language
- motifRecurring thematic element
- archetypeOriginal model for copies
- allegorySymbolic tale with deeper meaning
foreshadowing · leitmotif · conceit · emblem · theme · narrative · subtext · allusion · irony · juxtaposition
sacred
Worthy of reverence
divinity · deity · worship · idolatry · piety · doctrine · sacrament · iconography · crucifix · mandala
iconography
Analysis of artistic symbols
emblem
Representational sign or device
badge · seal · logo · shield · banner · standard · sigil · monogram · hallmark · medallion
interpretation
Assigned meaning
- significanceQuality of mattering
- meaningWhat something signifies
- depthDistance below surface
nuance · layers · complexity · essence · substance · abstraction · insight · profoundness · intricacy · connotation
traditions
Long-established customs passed down
- heritageInherited cultural legacy
- folkloreInherited cultural narratives
- customsTraditional practices or import taxes
rites · ceremony · taboo · mores · ethos · cosmology · shamanism · totemic · rituals · identity
- cultural heritagefolklore, traditions, customs, folk music revival, museum collections
- literary analysisliterary analysis, character analysis, book review, plot, critical analysis
- poetry termspoetry, rhyme, verse, rhythm, meter
- -ismsatomism, postmodernism, feminism, Marxism, Darwinism
- English literature essaysliterary criticism, critical essays, close reading, character analysis, plot analysis
- figurative languagemetaphor, simile, figure of speech, analogy, personification
symbolismliteralism
Exact meaning only
directness · explicitness · denotation · straightforwardness · literalness
symbolismrealism
Accepting things as they are
naturalism · social realism · photorealism · kitchen sink realism · documentary style
symbolismliteralness
Adherence to precise meaning
surface meaning · plain meaning · transparency · obviousness · self-evidence
- symbolic giftsPresents conveying deeper meaning
- symbolic gestureAction representing abstract meaning
- religious symbolismMeaningful imagery in faith
- symbolic actDeed with representative meaning
- symbolic figureRepresentation of abstract concept
- symbolic meaningRepresentational significance beyond literal
symbolic, symbolize, symbolized, symbolizing, symbolist, symbolization, symbolisms