In a post on Writer Unboxed, Beth Havey discusses how we can use symbolism to strengthen our stories. “Adding symbolism is an artistic choice, verbal jewelry that pulls the reader in, enhances plot lines, makes story elements more memorable,” Havey says. “Literary symbolism can be one or two words, even phrases, paragraphs, that encompass, echo, and remind the reader of essential story elements.”
Done well, symbolism needn’t be obvious. Rather, the writer creates an image that arises at key moments, even something as simple as a color connecting elements of the story. At its best, the symbol becomes more than it is, representing a character, ideal, or theme. “Symbols can act as signposts, integrate elements of plot, infuse story with emotion,” Havey says. “Literary symbols can echo through the text, build story, add tension.”
Havey shares a number of examples of symbolism from recent novels, some simple and others complex. “Living out in the world encourages writers to look for and find symbols, images that will enhance story, underline a message, even be outrageous, because you have made a connection not seen in another work,” she says. “It’s an exciting challenge.”
