The Values of Using Symbols in Literature
The Webster’s Dictionary defines symbolism as: “A representation; an object used to represent something abstract” (485). An author will frequently benefit from the use symbolism by creating an object that embodies an aspect, a feeling, or an idea. William Golding uses a signal fire, a pair of glasses, and a conch in Lord of the Flies to create magnificent symbols that are crucial in understanding the morals of the characters, as well as truly comprehending what the themes of the novel are. Shakespeare uses Yorick’s skull and the Ghost to epitomize different ideas in his play Hamlet, as well. Symbolism is a technique used by authors that allows them to convey certain thoughts, ideas, and opinions to …show more content…
In Lord of the Flies, the conch symbolizes democracy and civilization in the beginning of the novel, when the boys first arrive on the island. After discovering the gleaming, cream-colored conch, Piggy and Ralph decide to enforce a rule that states that the only person allowed to speak is the person in possession of the conch. Golding bestows the thought upon the audience that the conch allows the young boys to have a sense of organization during their meetings and a feeling of puissance when they are in possession of the conch. All of the inhabitants of the island have immense respect and consideration for the conch and its power, “Piggy moved among the crowd, asking names(the children gave him the same obedience that they had given(” (Golding 18). Although the boys on the island claim that they wish to have no rules, they listen to whoever is holding the conch and demonstrate an appreciation for the regulations that the conch provides for them. Even Jack, a character that has no regard for any other person or thing apart from himself, shows respect for the conch by setting it down gently after he holds it, “He laid the conch with great care in the grass at his feet” (Golding 127). However, when a boulder shatters the conch, it …show more content…
Hamlet is a play that revolves around desperately wanting revenge, and finally acquiring it. After appearing to his son, Hamlet, the Ghost notifies that his very own brother, Claudius, brought him to death. Claudius murdered Old Hamlet, stole his throne, became the King of Denmark, and married his wife. Therefore, the Ghost obviously wishes for nothing more than for Hamlet to avenge his death, preferably in the form of Claudius’ murder. The action of the Ghost sets each and every revenge plot into play, making the Ghost a symbol of revenge. “So art thou to revenge, when thou shalt hear /… revenge his most foul and unnatural murder” (Shakespeare 1.5.25). Death is quite literally embodied by the Ghost as well. Seeing the Ghost prompts Hamlet to recall that death is unforgiving and uncaring. This sight emphasizes the idea in Hamlet’s mind that death will in fact slay anybody, whether or not they are the mighty King of Denmark. Shakespeare uses the symbolism of the Ghost to illustrate that the theme of Hamlet is revenge, and it helps to augment the theme of life and death as
The Webster’s Dictionary defines symbolism as: “A representation; an object used to represent something abstract” (485). An author will frequently benefit from the use symbolism by creating an object that embodies an aspect, a feeling, or an idea. William Golding uses a signal fire, a pair of glasses, and a conch in Lord of the Flies to create magnificent symbols that are crucial in understanding the morals of the characters, as well as truly comprehending what the themes of the novel are. Shakespeare uses Yorick’s skull and the Ghost to epitomize different ideas in his play Hamlet, as well. Symbolism is a technique used by authors that allows them to convey certain thoughts, ideas, and opinions to …show more content…
In Lord of the Flies, the conch symbolizes democracy and civilization in the beginning of the novel, when the boys first arrive on the island. After discovering the gleaming, cream-colored conch, Piggy and Ralph decide to enforce a rule that states that the only person allowed to speak is the person in possession of the conch. Golding bestows the thought upon the audience that the conch allows the young boys to have a sense of organization during their meetings and a feeling of puissance when they are in possession of the conch. All of the inhabitants of the island have immense respect and consideration for the conch and its power, “Piggy moved among the crowd, asking names(the children gave him the same obedience that they had given(” (Golding 18). Although the boys on the island claim that they wish to have no rules, they listen to whoever is holding the conch and demonstrate an appreciation for the regulations that the conch provides for them. Even Jack, a character that has no regard for any other person or thing apart from himself, shows respect for the conch by setting it down gently after he holds it, “He laid the conch with great care in the grass at his feet” (Golding 127). However, when a boulder shatters the conch, it …show more content…
Hamlet is a play that revolves around desperately wanting revenge, and finally acquiring it. After appearing to his son, Hamlet, the Ghost notifies that his very own brother, Claudius, brought him to death. Claudius murdered Old Hamlet, stole his throne, became the King of Denmark, and married his wife. Therefore, the Ghost obviously wishes for nothing more than for Hamlet to avenge his death, preferably in the form of Claudius’ murder. The action of the Ghost sets each and every revenge plot into play, making the Ghost a symbol of revenge. “So art thou to revenge, when thou shalt hear /… revenge his most foul and unnatural murder” (Shakespeare 1.5.25). Death is quite literally embodied by the Ghost as well. Seeing the Ghost prompts Hamlet to recall that death is unforgiving and uncaring. This sight emphasizes the idea in Hamlet’s mind that death will in fact slay anybody, whether or not they are the mighty King of Denmark. Shakespeare uses the symbolism of the Ghost to illustrate that the theme of Hamlet is revenge, and it helps to augment the theme of life and death as