@DiAnnMills

Writers often struggle with how to incorporate symbolism into their novels or if it’s even necessary.

How does it fit into premise and theme?

Does it heighten emotion?

Does it encourage the reader to see beyond the obvious?

Is it part of the story line?

How does a writer choose a symbol?

Is symbolism critical for a successful novel?

Story is about a character with a goal to achieve or a problem to solve. The character’s journey is laden with difficulties, and while attempting to put those problems at rest, the character may become attached to “something”—a tangible item that takes on a psychological meaning.

Symbolism touches the reader with emotion. Suddenly the weather, rushing water, a color, a number, an item of jewelry, or the way the stars light up the night mean something more—psychologically.

Since the beginning of time, storytellers have used symbolism to add depth to their tales. Snoopy was right in borrowing from Edward Bulwer-Lytton: “It was a dark and stormy night.”

A transition from day to night, or spring to winter, could reflect a move from goodness to evil, from hope to despair. A river could represent the flow of life from birth to death. Flowers can project youth or beauty.

Eudora Welty said, “Symbols have to spring from the work direct, and stay alive. Symbols for the sake of symbols are counterfeit, and were they all stamped on the page in red they couldn’t have any more quickly given themselves away.”

Every area of the writing process has the potential to add psychological meaning. By providing an evocative and emotional experience, we enable a reader to identify elements of story beyond the written word. A new level of appreciation surfaces because the symbol has attached itself to the characters—and the reader.

Not every tangible item in a story is symbolic. A sunset can be merely a stunning display of color. A character enjoys Starbucks coffee or fancies a particular model of car—and it means nothing else.

The key is to incorporate symbolism without confusing the reader.

In Word Painting Rebecca McClanahan says, “A symbol is a visible sign—an object or action—that points to a world of meaning beyond itself.” That meaning is not directly stated, but through repetition the reader understands what it signifies to the character.

In the premise, “Love conquers hate,” the visual of a triumphant army overcoming incredible odds to claim victory can serve as motivation for the writer to create a powerful story line. The premise entices the writer to think outside her world, possibly opening her mind to develop the story in ways she has never considered.

In Writing the Breakout Novel, Donald Maass says, “The most effective pattern to follow is that of a single symbol.” He points to the importance of the ring in Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings, and how the story would not have had the impact if he had used several symbols.

A symbol can underscore the spiritual realm of a story, and it doesn’t have to be obvious. Perhaps a scarf a character’s mother wore to church or a rocking chair her father used when reading the Bible.

The reader may enjoy the story without recognizing your symbol. That’s okay. But others will appreciate the added depth. Choose a character’s name to signify who she is and her role in the story. The name must mean something, if only for you as writer. The stories rising from mythology, the Bible, and other cultures depict the importance of naming a child according to events, visions, culture, and family history.

A symbol of food can be used for a protagonist who sacrifices to feed the poor, or for an antagonist who gives for selfish reasons. In both instances, food represents the character’s motivation. For one it is a vehicle to aid the hungry, for the other it is a vehicle of manipulation.

Characters may refrain from stating how they feel about a situation, but through story, the reader learns about their thoughts and emotions.

“A symbol means more than itself,” Rebecca McClanahan says, “but first it means itself.” She cites Crane’s The Red Badge of Courage. The symbol is not courage (intangible) but the stain of blood (tangible). Although in this story the blood represents courage, it could mean something entirely different in another book.

Writers create their stories with character, plot, setting, dialogue, emotion, narrative, and so much more. Sometimes their own blood. Read back through that last phrase. What does “their own blood” mean to you? Hard work? Sweat that feels like blood? The sentence came naturally, which is where all symbols are born.

Do you feel every novel should incorporate a symbol? Why or why not?