Symbolism

In the Shiva tradition of Hinduism, Shiva is seen as the Supreme God. Lingam or Linga is the Sanskrit word for Shiva’s phallus it is used as a symbol for the worship of Shiva. The origin of the lingam dates back to the early Indus Valley civilization. The Lingam is not mentioned in the Vedas yet still the Lingam is a major symbol of worship to many. Even with its absence from the Vedas, the Shiva Lingam is of importance in many other major Hindu scriptures, including the Puranas. As stated by…

When reading 1984 by George Orwell, the first thing that becomes apparent is the near-omnipresent use of symbolism. By using symbolism throughout the novel, George Orwell paints a bleak future that could very well become a reality. From a totalitarian corrupt government to brainwashed citizens and surveillance that blankets the world, the dystopian future depicted in 1984 could easily become our future if we are not careful, and George Orwell wants to make sure that it doesn’t. By placing…

Eudora Welty’s “A Worn Path” demonstrations hardships face by Phoenix Jackson through symbolism and motifs. While developing her character within the flawed imagery Welty leaves her readers with a paradox of their own, who Phoenix truly is. During the 1940’s, Mississippi countryside was neither a kind place “color people” nor an elderly woman on her own but Phoenix got by on her wits and grit. Although this path lies open to interpretation, Phoenix Jackson reveals her own nature with her little…

Candy canes are not only a sweet treat, but a symbol of Christ and Christmas time. Candy canes have been displayed and eaten at Christmas for decades, but their origin can be more difficult to decipher. Christianity has played a large role in the symbolism of the candy cane, but much of the candy’s history is too uncertain to fully know the truth. The first account of anything resembling the traditional candy cane lies in Germany around 1670. A choirmaster wanted to create something that…

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn wouldn’t be complete without the ingenious literary elements imputed by Mark Twain. The overall plot of the story itself is rather amazing, however the dialogue, symbolism, and characterization truly tie down the story to a whole. Twain used as much information and detail as possible in order to make it achievable for the reader to get a feel of the characters situation while sticking to the time frame it took place in. One of the most important elements…

Topdog Underdog Suzan-Lori Parks’ play, Topdog Underdog, includes many imagery, symbolism, and metaphors. She uses symbolism in the names she assigns for both actors. Imagery is used to show the type of lives that both characters live in. The characters’ name of Booth and Lincoln symbolizes the President Abraham Lincoln, who fought for African American rights. The final scene, where Booth kills his brother is set up as a metaphor. John Wilkes Booth is Lincoln’s assassin, and was a racist man who…

By using the ignorant individuals of Maycomb, Harper Lee applied the concept of symbolism in To Kill a Mockingbird which enable us to comprehend the impact of each individual’s behavior on Maycomb. Add intro “That was the one thing that made me think, well, this may be the shadow of a beginning.” Atticus says “the shadow of a beginning” to Jem, early in the chapter of the trial, Atticus put Walter Cunningham Sr. on the jury because Atticus knows that the Mr. Cunningham will be honest member of…

Symbolism in the Great Gatsby The acquisition of wealth is alluring from the outside looking in, but those who possess it are not guaranteed happiness. F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby describes the shallowness and impurity that often accompany excessive materialism and the unfulfilling relationships that develop among people obsessed with the capitalist game. His depiction of the seemingly glamorous lives of the upper classes on Long Island communicates themes pertaining to the myth of…

(James Whitmore) contribute a huge illustration that connects to the major theme of the film. The director utilizes the work of symbolism, comparison, and filming technique to convey a deep message to the audience that hope can free a man, but fear can kill and keep the man away from what…

In the “Yellow Wallpaper” Gilman writes about a summer house they are temporarily owning, which is full of symbolism throughout the story. Well, this awful wallpaper and this nursery upstairs, where they draft is heavy, Gilman has to stay up here to cure her disease. All of these things, the wallpaper, the nursery, and her disease, are all symbolism used in the story. The disease is symbolic because it shows that there is definitely something wrong with her, but they are just ignorant and won’t…