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 Posted: Sat Nov 24, 2007 6:07 pm
It does bother me when people other than the author try to tell me what the symbolism is. Though sometimes you need to know the back story about the book to know for sure if the author has said something.
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Posted: Sat Nov 24, 2007 11:30 pm
I believe that there is symbolism in many books. However, I do not believe that there is nearly as much symbolism within books as many teachers seem to pontificate about. True there is blatant symbolism in Hester Prynne's "A" becoming distorted in the armor in the Governor's house, however, I doubt that as much symbolism as I have been acquainted with through the ramblings of a pedagogue have any foothold whatsoever.
I believe, however, that meaning, held within some symbolism, is limited, or broadened, by individual interpretation. I believe that many writers would tell you that if you see symbolism in something, even if they intended, that it has helped you understand the story to a great extent. If we were to analyze life as we do literature, we would, in the same sense as we do with literature, discover that symbolism abounds in the blue sky and the dark night. How we may feel more tired during the autumn, as well as renewed during the spring.
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Posted: Mon Nov 26, 2007 10:48 am
I don't think there is symbolism in modern "popular fiction"...I do believe there is plenty of it in older books which are considered classics..or famous ones which many people have to study at school. For instance, Heart of Darkness by Joseph conrad is overflowing with symbolism..but it's all up to the interpretations of the reader, because one person might associate with an image in a different way than another...
My mum often says it's just readers who see the symbolism, and it's a bunch of phooey; that the author didn't intentionally put it there sweatdrop xp
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Posted: Mon Dec 03, 2007 7:52 pm
twilightrosegarden You know in about a 100yrs. You know what's going to be the 'symbolic book'? Harry Potter. no kidding..... there are some really huge literary allusions tho......
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Posted: Fri Dec 07, 2007 6:30 pm
Mallorys Wedgie Friend I believe that there is symbolism in many books. However, I do not believe that there is nearly as much symbolism within books as many teachers seem to pontificate about. True there is blatant symbolism in Hester Prynne's "A" becoming distorted in the armor in the Governor's house, however, I doubt that as much symbolism as I have been acquainted with through the ramblings of a pedagogue have any foothold whatsoever. I believe, however, that meaning, held within some symbolism, is limited, or broadened, by individual interpretation. I believe that many writers would tell you that if you see symbolism in something, even if they intended, that it has helped you understand the story to a great extent. If we were to analyze life as we do literature, we would, in the same sense as we do with literature, discover that symbolism abounds in the blue sky and the dark night. How we may feel more tired during the autumn, as well as renewed during the spring. You know, that is an interesting idea. That life is a place to search for symbolism. I had never considered that in the least. In the end, I guess I would have to suggest that symbolism is in the eye of the beholder. If one finds it and enjoys what it adds to the story I suppose we should let them enjoy their symbolism. It should also be understood that most symbolism in subjective to personal interpretation and therefore should not be forced upon others.
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Posted: Wed Feb 03, 2010 2:53 pm
I also feel that symbolism isn't always intended, and that those who find it can enjoy it themselves. I don't try to find symbolism while I read just to have something to pull from it, because then I would have missed the whole point of the story or a possible message that the author wants to share. To me, finding symbolism in a story is like finding a endangered species in a forest: You don't have to find it, sometimes it can be a pointless task, but when you do find it, it's best to be left alone.
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