Symbol (Literary Terms Related to Poetry)

Symbol

The word "symbol" originates from the Greek "symballein," meaning "to throw together," and "symbolon," which signifies a mark, emblem, token, or sign. A symbol in poetry is an object, animate or inanimate, that represents something else. Unlike an allegorical sign, which is arbitrary, a symbol has a real existence. For example, scales symbolize justice, a dove signifies peace, and the Cross represents Christianity.

Actions and gestures also carry symbolic meaning. A clenched fist symbolizes aggression, beating the breast signifies remorse, and raised arms denote surrender. Literary symbols combine an image with a concept, and they can be public or private, universal or local. In literature, symbols can convey complex themes indirectly. For instance, a journey into the underworld symbolizes a spiritual experience, seen in works by Virgil, Dante, and James Joyce.

Private symbols recur in the works of individual poets, like W.B. Yeats with the sun and moon, a tower, a mask, and a hawk. Major literary works, such as Dante's "Divina Commedia," Shakespeare's "Macbeth," and Blake's poetry, heavily employ symbolism to convey deeper meanings. The symbolist poets, including Baudelaire, Verlaine, Rimbaud, and Mallarmé, popularized the use of symbols in poetry. They believed that symbols could evoke deeper meanings and emotions through verse forms like "vers libérés" and "vers libre."

The symbolist movement, which began in the late 19th century, influenced poets and writers worldwide, including W.B. Yeats, T.S. Eliot, Rainer Maria Rilke, and Russian writers like Bryusov and Bely. Their work expanded the use of symbols in poetry and literature to convey universal truths and ideals beyond the literal.

Thus, in poetry, symbols play a crucial role in adding depth, complexity, and emotional resonance to the text. Here are some specific functions of symbols in poetry:

1. Enhancing Themes

2. Creating Imagery

3. Expressing Emotions

4. Building Layers of Meaning

5. Creating Mood and Atmosphere

6. Condensing Meaning

7. Foreshadowing

8. Unifying the Poem

9. Encouraging Multiple Interpretations

10. Reflecting Cultural and Historical Contexts

By employing symbols, poets can convey complex emotions, ideas, and themes in a powerful and evocative manner, enhancing the richness and depth of their work.