The Elfstones of Shannara

Symbolism is when concrete things are used to represent, substitute, or parallel abstract ideas or themes. Authors can use symbolism to solidify the characters’ lives and background. Symbolism is often open to interpretation, as it is what the reader believes an object represents. Symbols are commonly used to show larger themes that run throughout the story. Objects for symbolism can be people, places, or things. In Terry Brooks’s The Sword of Shannara, the forest is used as a symbol of fear, mysteriousness, and/or death. So far, the party to retrieve the Sword of Shannara has disintegrated, and the protagonist is lost. The story still keeps track of all of the characters, even though it has disassembled. Most recently, Menion Leah, or the Prince of Leah, rescued…