1、.Symbol.-Literally,sth.that stands for sth.else.In literature,any word,object,action or character that embodies and evokes a range of additional meaning and significance.A symbol must suggest a meaning different in kind from its literal meaning;A symbol is something more than the representative of a
2、 class or type.A symbol may have more than one meaning.Functions Symbols are often used to:1.Suggest and reinforce meaning;2.Provide enrichment by enlarging and clarifying the experience of the work;3.Help organize and unify the whole.Types1.Traditional/Conventional Symbols 传统的象征 -Those whose associ
3、ations are the common property of a society or culture and are so widely recognized and accepted that they can be said to be almost universal.Eg:Rose Love Spring Life Winter Death A journey on the road The journey through life Ring Eternity Big Ben London Great Wall China.American bald eagle United
4、States Scales Justice A dove Peace Clenched fist Aggression .Fire,Flames Heat Hot temperatures Damnation.Crosses Angels Haloes Clouds Churches Salvation.2.Original Symbols 新创的象征 -Those whose associations are neither immediate nor traditional;instead,they derive their meanings,largely if not exclusiv
5、ely,from the context of the work in which they are used.Eg:the A“in The Scarlet Letter that Hester Prynne was forced to wear Representing she was an adulteress;Representing the first letter of the name of her illegitimate childs father,the Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale.Ways to Recognize Symbols1.The fr
6、equency an object or character mentioned in a piece of literature.-If it is mentioned often,it is probably important.2.Detail used in describing an object.-These two methods give clues that the writer wants you to infer something about a particular object.Symbolism&Allegory Allegory -A narrative or
7、description having a second meaning beneath the surface one.A concrete representation of an idea or concept in a direct,one-to-one relationship.There is a clear interpretation of each allegorical element.No ambiguity exists at this level.A symbol is not so definite in meaning as an allegory.Eg:In Yo
8、ung Goodman Brown,Faith faith Name of Goodman the Browns wife,concept (the character)The character of Faith an allegorical element of the not a symbolic element story.Christian(基督徒)passes through the Slough of Despond(沮丧之沼泽)and Vanity Fair(虚荣市集)and arrives at the Celestial City(天国之城).-Allegory in Bunyans Pilgrims Progress.Gregor finds himself turned into a big cockroach(蟑螂).-Symbol in Kafkas Metamorphosis.
