Symbolism in poetry is a technique used to bring deeper meaning and emotion to the words of a poem. It is used by poets to illustrate an idea, concept, or meaning that may be difficult to otherwise convey in written form. Symbolism can range from the use of figurative language, such as metaphors and similes, to the use of objects or images that are used to represent an idea or concept. Symbolism can also be used to enhance the description and convey a message about a particular subject.
A classic example of symbolism in poetry can be found in the writings of William Wordsworth. In his poem “I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud” Wordsworth employs the image of a cloud to symbolize the feeling of being connected to nature. He writes: “I gazed–and gazed–but little thought/What wealth the show to me had brought”. By comparing the feeling of connection with nature to a cloud, Wordsworth is able to convey his sentiment in a single sentence.
Another common example of symbolism in poetry comes from the works of Alfred, Lord Tennyson. In his poem “The Eagle”, Tennyson uses an image of a soaring eagle to symbolize freedom and triumph. He writes: “He clasps the crag with crooked hands” and “From rock to rock he turns and dynamic bounds”. By comparing the image of an eagle to a person conquering their fears and achieving success, Tennyson is able to convey a powerful and inspiring message.
Symbolism in poetry is not limited to words and figures of speech. It can also be used to create vivid and evocative visuals. For example, the poet Robert Frost often used symbolism to evoke feelings of nostalgia and longing. In his poem “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening”, Frost paints a vivid image of a quiet winter evening. He writes: “The woods are lovely, dark, and deep/But I have promises to keep/And miles to go before I sleep”. By describing the beauty of a winter woods, Frost conveys the message that sometimes we must let go of our past in order to move forward.
While symbolism in poetry can be tricky to master, once you understand the basic principles, it can be an incredibly powerful tool for conveying a wide range of emotions and ideas. By understanding the basics of symbolism, as well as incorporating advanced techniques such as metaphor and visual imagery, you can create beautiful and moving pieces of poetry that are sure to captivate your readers.
Examples of Symbolism in Poetry
Symbolism can help poets connect with their readers on deeper, more profound levels. While each type of symbolism carries its own unique connotations, it is important to remember that symbols can be interpreted in a wide variety of ways. Here are some examples of symbolism in poetry that can help you get an idea of how symbolism can be used to enhance the impact of a poem.
Animals. Animals often represent a certain character trait or situation. For example, a bird symbolizes freedom, while a snake might represent temptation or evil. By incorporating animals into your poem, you can draw a connection between the image of the animal and the deeper meaning of your poem.
Nature. Nature is often used as a source of inspiration in poetry, both symbolically and literally. For example, a field of wildflowers might be used to symbolize beauty, while a raging river might represent chaos and destruction. By using nature to evoke a certain emotion or message, poets can create an even more powerful piece of literature.
Objects and Images. Objects and images can be used to convey a certain message or evoke certain feelings. For example, a candle may symbolize hope in a time of difficulty, while a broken mirror might represent the broken promises of a relationship. Objects and images can provide the perfect backdrop to convey a powerful emotion or message.
The Use of Symbolism in Poetry
Symbolism can be used to effectively create imagery and emotion in a poem. By incorporating symbolism, poets can create pieces that are as beautiful to read as they are to listen to. Here are a few ways that you can incorporate symbolism into your poetry:
Metaphors. Metaphors are a great way to evoke emotion and convey a message. Metaphors can be used to draw parallels between two unrelated concepts, allowing you to create more visually interesting imagery. For example, in his poem “The Road Not Taken”, Robert Frost writes: “Two roads diverged in a yellow wood/And sorry I could not travel both.” By comparing the two paths of life to roads in a wood, Frost is able to create a powerful image that resonates with readers.
Similes. Similes are similar to metaphors, but they are less direct. Instead of directly comparing two concepts, they use words such as “like” or “as” to draw comparisons. For example, in Edgar Allan Poe’s poem “The Raven”, he writes: “And the silken, sad, uncertain rustling of each purple curtain/Thrilled me—filled me with fantastic terrors never felt before”. By comparing the sound of curtains to a creepy and mysterious rustle, Poe is able to evoke a feeling of fear and dread without directly stating it.
Imagery. Imagery is another powerful way to create vivid and evocative imagery. By carefully selecting the right words and images, you can create powerful visuals and convey your message in a concise manner. For example, in Emily Dickinson’s poem “Because I Could Not Stop for Death”, she uses imagery to create a scene of a carriage ride to the afterlife: “We slowly drove – He knew no haste/And I had put away/My labor and my leisure too/For His Civility”. By describing an image of a peaceful journey to the afterlife, she is able to evoke a feeling of calm acceptance.
Symbolism as a Tool in Poetry
Understanding and incorporating symbolism in poetry can be a powerful tool for getting your point across effectively. When used correctly, symbolism can help you create a piece of literature that is as meaningful as it is beautiful. Here are a few tips for using symbolism effectively in your poetry:
Be Clear. While symbolism can be a powerful tool for conveying emotion and meaning, it can also be confusing if it is not used correctly. When incorporating symbolism into your work, it is important to make sure that the representation is clear and easy to understand. Otherwise, readers may miss the point of your poem.
Use Symbolism Sparingly. It is important to remember that too much symbolism can be overwhelming and distracting. While it can be tempting to use many symbols in your work, it is best to pick just one or two that are the most effective and relevant to your message.
Choose Symbols Carefully. When selecting symbols for your poem, it is important to make sure that they accurately represent your message. This can be done by considering the connotations of the symbol you are using and including detailed descriptions of the symbol in your poem.
Variety is Key. In order to keep your poem from becoming repetitive, it is important to use a variety of symbols. Instead of just relying on a single image or concept, incorporate a range of symbols to create a more interesting and thoughtful work of poetry.
Conclusion
Symbolism in poetry can be an incredibly powerful tool for conveying emotion and meaning. By understanding the basics and using advanced techniques such as metaphor and imagery, you can create beautiful and moving pieces of literature that are sure to captivate your readers.
