In literature, symbolism is a specific word, phrase, or action that represents a deeper, abstract meaning. Authors use symbolism to give an object or action more meaning and interest. Readers should care about symbolism since it gives the story emotion and meaning. I believe the three major symbols that S.E. Hinton uses in “The Outsiders” is Johnny stabbing Bob, Pony seeing dawn, and Ponyboy stepping in dew. A symbolic action in “The Outsiders” is when Johnny stabs Bob. To an ordinary reader, this action would just be a quick reflex or action taken without thought. The deeper meaning used in “The Outsider” is that Johnny is taking out all the anger he has built up in the past couple of years. Also, Johnny is tired of hiding from all of his problems. “ ‘I killed him,’ ”(Hinton 51). I believe that this is a major symbol. Even though this symbol has several deeper meanings they all relate to Johnny's problems. Johnny stabbing Bob is the spark that started the conflict. PonyBoy seeing dawn is a symbolic action in the novel, “The Outsider”. To a regular person seeing dawn means the sun is rising. The hidden meaning that was used in “The Outsiders” was that a new start is beginning with the new conflict that has unraveled. Also that everything has …show more content…
Hinton has used one of the three major symbols: Johnny stabbing Bob, Pony stepping in dew, and Pony seeing dawn, to make the novel “The Outsiders” gain more interest and meaning . I have learned that objects and actions have more than what meets the eye. Also, that you should look deeper into the eye rather than skimming past it. The three symbols I have expressed are connected to each other because they all relate to Johnny and Ponyboy having problems or an action is taken because of a problem that they created, which signifies these two boys knew life ahead of them. A question that still roams around in my head is, was S.E. Hinton skillful at symbolism when she was first taught it in
According to Chris Pine, “The only thing you sometimes have control over is perspective. You don’t have control over your situation. But you have a choice about how you view it.” This quote means you can choose how you view people and things.This relates to the Outsiders because the novel is about how you choose to view people. The Outsiders is about how people shouldn’t judge others based on stereotypes and they should get to know them first.
Symbolism is a major literary device that helps people see a book through symbols that often have a deeper meaning. A symbol is used to explain something in a different way, using images, objects, etc. instead of just saying it in words. As you search for a deeper meaning in a work of art or literature it can help you understand the authors intentions and the deeper significance of a work. In Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury, symbols help reinforce the major themes of the book.
Symbolism can be defined as “the representation of a reality on one level of reference by a corresponding reality on another” (“Symbolism” 564). The word symbol comes from the Greek word "symballein," which translates literally into “to throw together” and suggests the combining of two unrelated worlds. Much...
...e of the meanings to be determined by the reader, but clearly conveys the meaning behind others. Such variety provides something or someone for any reader to relate to. Symbolism, hidden or obvious, serves to connect the reader with the characters of “The Things They Carried” and follow their development with interest and ease. In many cases, symbols answer the question which the entire story is based upon, why the men carry the things they do.
Symbolism is something that represents more than what it really is. It is often by authors in their writing to give it more emphasis. For example:" In life there will always be peaks and valleys" meaning in life there will be ups and downs but we should enjoy the peaks and fight through the valleys. Objects can also be a form of symbolism such as The Bible, it represents more than just a book. It represents Life, Church, Religion, and the life of Jesus Christ and what he stood for. Irony is like a twist or words or the opposite of what is intended. For example: Laughing at someone that just slipped and fell, then later you find yourself slipping and falling is a form of irony. Irony is found in real life situations as well as writings. Symbolism is a technique that gives authors a better story and shows objects as more than what they are. They use techniques like this to catch the reader’s attention.
One example of Ponyboy being sensitive would be when he picks up the pieces of the broken glass so that no one would get a flat tire. This character can also be described as smart when Darry tells him how intelligent he is and that he has the brains to get a scholarship and go to college. Finally, this character can be considered brave when he risks his life to save the children stuck in the burning church. In this book, Ponyboy learns to deal with the right and wrong of society. He grows up and was judged by his appearance and social status, but at the end of the book, the two gangs overcome their differences to realize they are more alike than they
In almost every story, one can find symbolism throughout the text to help the reader better understand what the writer wants the reader to takeout from his/her story. Symbolism is something that must be analyzed and explored to experience a deeper meaning to the story. Sometimes, symbolism throughout a story may not be noticeable when first read, but going back to analyze the text can add a deeper meaning to words and can also help to enhance the meaning behind the story line. In some instances, symbolism can leave a reader to ponder what the writer is trying to express with the symbolism used in the story; for symbolism can be interpreted differently and can have many layers of meaning to it. Some good examples of short stories that use symbolism
One symbol in the novel is Hester. A symbol is a person or thing that indirectly represents an object or idea. Hester symbolizes strength. By remaining in Boston, she accepts her punishment. This shows great strength because she could have easily left Boston in search of a new life, one in which no one knew her. Instead, Hester continues her life in Boston, serving as a mid-wife and sewing for the same people who had condemned her. This shows strength by her acceptance of her fate and her willingness to persevere in this community - the place of her sin. Hester faces torment and social isolation daily. She must live alone and have no adult communication. The townspeople are afraid to talk to her and refuse to include her. This solitary confinement is tormenting because all human beings need interaction with other human beings. Yet, because of her inner strength, she accepts it and goes on with her life. A second example of her strength is her refusal to reveal the identity of Pearl's father; she chooses to endure her punishment alone. This shows her strength because she must bear the burden for two people. Having to be punished and watching some...
Symbolism is the use of objects or people for a different idea or meaning. These can be inanimate objects, people, animals, or even ideas, and they can be used for many purposes. Symbolism is often subtle; it can be difficult to see without careful attention, and J. D. Salinger sneaks it in The Catcher in the Rye without making it obvious. He often portrays Holden’s thoughts in symbolism, without writing them word for word on the page. J. D. Salinger makes use of symbols in The Catcher in the Rye in order to convey Holden's desire to protect and prolong innocence in himself and others.
Writers often use symbolism in the story to give a more vivid description rather than just saying, pictures are a perfect example. Symbolism is the art of using any object, place, name or anything that represents something rather
Symbolism is strongly represented through Kaplan’s short story. The symbols represented are the ocean, the killing of the doe and the woods. Visiting the ocean for the first time at the Jersey Shore was new for Andy. Since then she had been awfully frightened of the ocean. She believes the ocean to be a huge, vast that constantly moved, keeps shifting
According to Google, symbolism in literature is defined as the use of symbols to signify ideas and qualities by giving them symbolic meanings that are different from their literal sense. Symbolism can be seen throughout media and in many pieces of literature, including To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee. In the book, the symbol of the mockingbird represents the character Boo Radley, and how his story teaches people to not always believe what others have to say about someone without being able to prove it true for themselves. To start, in the beginning of the book, based on what they have heard from the town, the kids interpret Boo as this mysterious monster. Dill comes from outside of Maycomb from a town named Meridian and knows nothing about his new surroundings, Jem begins to tell him of the legendary Boo Radley.
Symbolism is defined as the representation; treatment or interpretation of things as symbolic. In society and in particular, literature, symbolism is a prominent component that helps to illustrate a deeper meaning then perceived by the reader. Symbolism can be anything, a person, place or thing, used to portray something beyond itself. It is used to represent or foreshadow the conclusion of the story. In William Golding’s, Lord of the Flies symbolism of the main characters Ralph, Jack and Simon plays a very important role in helping to show how our society functions and the different types of personalities that exist. An examination of Simon as a symbol of good, Ralph as a symbol of the common man, and Jack as a symbol of evil, clearly illustrates that William Golding uses characters as a symbol of what is really happening in the outside world throughout the novel.
The Outsiders identified the 60’s, often there would be violence between groups and often involving a group’s social class. For instance, the tensions between the Socs and Greasers is violent, and this will lead to Bob’s death, Johnny’s death, as well as many injuries throughout both gangs. The book The Outsiders is written by S.E. Hinton and is portrayed through the eyes of a high school student in Tulsa, OK where S.E. Hinton grew up. Hinton began writing The Outsiders in 1965 at the age of 17 and the book was finally published in 1967 when she was 19. The difference in perspective upon the society and social class creates issues throughout The Outsiders and they assume the problems will be solved with violence,
At the end of the day, we all see the same sunset. The novel, The Outsiders, by S. E. Hinton, the story is staged in Tulsa Oklahoma, where there are two opposing gangs, the greasers and the Socs. The groups are perceived to the public and to themselves and hoods or juvenile delinquents, and the protagonist of the story is challenged with what “should be done or thought.” The narrator of the story is Ponyboy Curtis, a greaser, who works hard in school, lives with his older brothers, Darry and Soda, and is best friends with Johnny, the gang’s pet. The Socs are their rivalry gang, made of rich, white, privileged hoods, living on the other side of town. Over the course of the story, Ponyboy realizes his world of the greasers and Socs is different than what is stereotypically thought, and he sees they are really the same, just living