Surprising Symbolism

As a class we discovered and examined the meaning of common symbols in literature. Students seemed surprised by some. Of course the owl is associated with rational knowledge and wisdom-- but who knew it could represent a "messenger of death"? And why is the moon a feminine symbol? Also, what is the deal with lions? Why do they signify courage and pride? Then, there is the whole issue of a forest representing evil-- what is going on there? Oh-- and those seasons! They all shed their various meanings upon us as well! Why is autumn a symbol of decline or growing old and winter a symbol of death or stagnation? Furthermore, the color yellow can represent rotting, decay, and decrepitude--- but why?

These are just some of the questions asked and talked about today in room 301 as we deciphered symbolic meaning in literature. Authors need to set the tone and they want to convey layers and layers of meaning that a simple literal or blunt statement could not. You may not always be able to articulate fully what a symbol means, but you will always find that if that symbol is powerful and well-chosen, then it will speak forcefully to your emotions and imagination.