When I’m writing, I always feel stressed when I’m trying to put symbolism in one of my stores. I never know if I’m doing it right, and I never know which objects to give meaning. Any object can be a symbol, but here’s a big ol list of some classic symbols to use in literature if you ever get stuck:
Dove - Peace
Lion - Courage/Strength
Bird - Freedom
Raven - Trickster
Crow - Bad Omens, but Can Be Sacred in Some Cultures
Bat - Guardian of Night, Illusion
Spider - Creativity, Intelligence
Wolf/Fox - Loyalty, Intelligence, Playfulness
Cat - Balance, Independence, Curiosity
Horse - Determination
Deer (Doe) - Innocence, Grace
Butterfly - Transformation, Rebirth
Swan - Divinity, Power of Self
Panda - Gentle Strength, Luck
Rabbit - Fear, Caution, Fertility
Rain - Not Sadness, New Opportunity, Cover of Darkness (shelter)
Storming - Conflicted Emotions, Anger
Fire Storm (Forest Fire, Volcanoes) - Earthly (nonhuman) anger, aggressive renewal, danger
Silver Lining of Clouds - Hope
Smoke - Desperation, Calm Before the Storm
I meant what I said when I said that symbolism can be tacked on to any object, but here are the most classic
Generational Weapons (ex. a father’s gun passed to a daughter) - Wisdom from pain, chance for forgiveness of donor
Eyeglasses - Intelligence, Societal Order
Lockets/Family Heirlooms - Belonging, Familial Bonds, Vitality
Book/Pen/Pencil - Lasting Intelligence
Mask (dependent on context) - Cover of Secrecy, Safety in Anonymity
Animal Souvenirs (ex. boar’s head on stake) - Defiance Against Nature
Red - Passion, Impulsivity, Anger
Orange - Happiness, Enthusiasm
Yellow - Joy, Innocence, Peace
Blue - Stability, Loyalty, Intelligence
Purple - Royalty, New Strength and Leadership
Black - Mystery, Death, Quiet Solitude
White - Divinity, Cruel Strength, Lack of Empathy
1. Be sure that the symbols are recurrent. The most effective way to let your reader know that this is, in fact, a symbol is to constantly remind them that your symbol is present
2. Use as directed. If a scene doesn’t require the use of a certain symbol, then don’t add it. For example, don’t insert characters who are about to be cleansed from their past and be reborn into better people in a scene set with a stormy atmosphere.
3. Explain, but don’t hold hands. Once the reader is clear that a symbol has been laid out and is present in your story, be sure that they understand exactly what the symbol is there to do. Of course, leave much of it up to interpretation, but don’t have its use be so loose that it’s difficult to pinpoint.
I hope this helped, and to anyone who might use this, good luck, happy writing!
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