The simple definition of a symbol is something either materialistic or idealistic that can represent something else. Symbols are a special way authors express their story’s message. The reader should use imagination or creativity through symbols to find out what the author's message is in the story/poem. Most people picture a symbol being an object or an image rather than an event or an action. Also, symbols aren’t hidden in plain sight like most readers are used to. However, there are times where there are no symbols at all in a story. In addition, the reader should read closer and think openly in case a symbol is there to further the story’s meaning.
For example, in Swing Low, Sweet Chariot, there are two symbols present. The poem itself …show more content…
The name of the play is a symbol. A crucible is a severe test or hard trial. This is exactly what the story is about, a severe trial. Second, the poppet is a symbol of fright. John Proctor says, “What signifies a poppet?” (Miller 1176). In the play, the poppet ends up symbolizing the concern of the people of Salem because poppets or voodoo dolls connect to witchcraft. In this time of fear, the people are not sure that there are witches and want to make sure that no possible signs of witchcraft are around. Though the symbols in this play are hidden, once they are found they are important to the meaning behind the …show more content…
The bent birch branches symbolize his childhood, back when he would swing on the branches. However, the birch branches are bent realistically by ice storms. “But swinging doesn’t bend them down to stay as ice storms do” (Frost 875). The branches symbolize Frost’s desire to go back to a time where things were simpler and fun, “So I was once a swinger of birches, and so I dream of going back to be” (Frost 876). Frost realizes how terrible it is to grow up and face reality through the branch’s symbolism. The poem is also symbolic of adulthood, a much harsher time in life. “And life is too much like pathless wood where your face burns and tickles with the cobwebs” (Frost 876). The symbols are shown through events in this poem to show the wild imagination and the hopeful dreams of childhood, to the crushing reality and obstacles of
For example, in Swing Low, Sweet Chariot, there are two symbols present. The poem itself …show more content…
The name of the play is a symbol. A crucible is a severe test or hard trial. This is exactly what the story is about, a severe trial. Second, the poppet is a symbol of fright. John Proctor says, “What signifies a poppet?” (Miller 1176). In the play, the poppet ends up symbolizing the concern of the people of Salem because poppets or voodoo dolls connect to witchcraft. In this time of fear, the people are not sure that there are witches and want to make sure that no possible signs of witchcraft are around. Though the symbols in this play are hidden, once they are found they are important to the meaning behind the …show more content…
The bent birch branches symbolize his childhood, back when he would swing on the branches. However, the birch branches are bent realistically by ice storms. “But swinging doesn’t bend them down to stay as ice storms do” (Frost 875). The branches symbolize Frost’s desire to go back to a time where things were simpler and fun, “So I was once a swinger of birches, and so I dream of going back to be” (Frost 876). Frost realizes how terrible it is to grow up and face reality through the branch’s symbolism. The poem is also symbolic of adulthood, a much harsher time in life. “And life is too much like pathless wood where your face burns and tickles with the cobwebs” (Frost 876). The symbols are shown through events in this poem to show the wild imagination and the hopeful dreams of childhood, to the crushing reality and obstacles of