Symbolism.

Yeah, it sounds fancy, something that only literary geniuses or coffee-shop intellectuals can pull off.

“Oh, but Beatrice, the appearance of the corvid in chapter seven only reinforces the protagonist’s cleverness and ingenuity.” James slurped his espresso.

“And therein,” Beatrice replied, petting her mink shawl, “the character becomes the bird. Anyone can see that. But did you see the parallel between the character’s nose and the bird’s beak?”

Yawn. Are we done yet?

But here’s the secret: anyone can use symbolism effectively, not just Beatrice and James.

It’s not about being mysterious or complicated — it’s about adding depth to your story in a way that resonates with readers.

Let’s unpack what symbolism is and how you can wield it like the storytelling wizard you are.

What is Symbolism?

Symbolism in literature uses an object, character, or event to represent something beyond its literal meaning. It’s a way to weave your story’s themes into the fabric of your narrative without spelling them out.

Imagine your theme is personal growth. A tree in your story might represent that growth — starting as a fragile sapling and growing into a towering oak.

The beauty of symbolism lies in its subtlety. It doesn’t slap readers in the face; it whispers to them, inviting them to interpret its meaning on their terms.

Is Symbolism Intended or Interpreted?

Okay, I’m ripping this off from a Reddit thread because it’s truly awesome.

In 1963, a 16-year-old student wondered about this. So he wrote to famous novelists and asked. The results were exactly what you'd expect.

Question: "Do you consciously, intentionally plan and place symbolism in your writing?... If yes, please state your method for doing so. Do you feel you subconsciously place symbolism in your writing?"

Jack Kerouac: "No."

Isaac Asimov: “Consciously? Heavens, no! Unconsciously? How can one avoid it?”

Joseph Heller: “Yes, I do intentionally rely on symbolism in my writing, but not to the extent that many people have stated…No, I do not subconsciously place symbolism in my writing, although there are inevitably many occasions when events acquire a meaning additional to the one originally intended.”

Ray Bradbury: “No, I never consciously place symbolism in my writing. That would be a self-conscious exercise and self-consciousness is defeating to any creative act. Better to let the subconscious do the work for you, and get out of the way. The best symbolism is always unsuspected and natural."

John Updike: “Yes—I have no method; there is no method in writing fiction; you don’t seem to understand.”

Norman Mailer: “I’m not sure it’s a good idea for a working novelist to concern himself too much with the technical aspects of the matter. Generally, the best symbols in a novel are those you become aware of only after you finish the work.”

Ralph Ellison: “Symbolism arises out of action…Once a writer is conscious of the implicit symbolism which arises in the course of a narrative, he may take advantage of them and manipulate them consciously as a further resource of his art. Symbols which are imposed upon fiction from the outside tend to leave the reader dissatisfied by making him aware that something extraneous is added.”

Saul Bellow: “A ‘symbol’ grows in its own way, out of the facts.”

Richard Hughes: “[Consciously?] No. [Subconsciously?] Probably yes. After all, to a lesser extent, the same is true of our daily conversation—in fact, of everything we think and say and do.”

Sometimes, a bird is just a bird, and the bird is what we make of it as readers.

With that practical lesson in mind, there’s no doubt symbolism, however, can reinforce themes and elevate a story.

Examples of Symbolism in Action

1. The Red Balloon. A red balloon might symbolize freedom and joy in a story about childhood innocence. But it could mark the end of innocence or a sudden loss when it pops.
   

2. A Broken Mirror. A shattered mirror can symbolize a fragmented self if your story explores identity. Each shard reflects a part of the character they’re struggling to reconcile.
   

3. Rainstorms. Rain can symbolize cleansing, renewal, or even sadness. A character caught in a sudden downpour might find clarity — or sink deeper into their struggles.

Connecting Symbolism to Themes

Symbolism is most potent when it ties directly to your story’s themes. If your theme is love’s endurance, a recurring image of a wilted but resilient flower might do the trick. If your theme is betrayal, a shadow that looms over your protagonist could serve as a constant, foreboding reminder.

The key is choosing symbols that resonate with your theme and subtly repeating them. Too heavy-handed, and it feels forced; too vague, and it feels random. The art of symbolism is finding that light-touch connection.

The New Writer’s Challenge

The biggest hurdle for new writers? Overthinking it. Symbolism doesn’t have to be perfect or groundbreaking. Start small. Pick one symbol that feels meaningful to your story and explore its possibilities. Please pay attention to how it evolves alongside your characters and themes.

Symbolism doesn’t need to scream, “Look at me!” It should feel natural like it belonged in your story all along.

Closing Thoughts

Symbolism is like seasoning for your story. Just a pinch can bring out the flavors of your themes and characters. So go ahead, experiment, and have fun. Before you know it, you’ll create layers of meaning that your readers will savor long after turning the final page.

R