Symbol 文学原理教程课件

A symbol must suggest a meaning different in kind from its literal meaning; A symbol is something more than the representative of a class or type. A symbol may have more than one meaning.
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 description having a second meaning beneath the surface one. • A concrete representation of an idea or concept in a direct, one-to-one relationship.
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 child's father, the Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale.
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.
• 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: Rose Love • Spring Life • Winter Death • A journey on the road The journey through life • Ring Eternity • Big Ben London • Great Wall China
• A• Scales Justice • A dove Peace • Clenched fist Aggression
Types
1. Traditional / Conventional Symbols 传统的象征 ---- Those whose associations 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.
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.
• 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 exclusively, from the context of the work in which they are used.
Eg: In "Young Goodman Brown," Faith faith
Name of Goodman
Brown's wife, ( the character ) The character of Faith an allegorical element of the not a symbolic element story
Ways to Recognize Symbols
1. The frequency an object or character mentioned in a piece of literature. ---- If it is mentioned often, it is probably important.
the concept
• 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 Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress. • Gregor finds himself turned into a big cockroach (蟑螂). --Symbol in Kafka’s Metamorphosis.