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Symbolism in Harry Potter
Character development in Harry Potter books
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Main characters in JK Rowling’s The Sorcerer’s Stone The characters of the novel possess qualities that symbolize history and have important hidden meanings. Symbolism plays a big role in the novel. “J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter titles dominated the fiction hardcover and paperback bestsellers lists in 2000 at Barnes & Noble's superstores” (“Potter”). Harry Potter, being the focus of the novel, “represents a new soul force in the seeker who wants to go the Path of Alchemical Transformation resulting in total liberation” (Hans). The novel has many symbolic meanings, “Yet the popularity of the Harry Potter books actually has everything to do with our symbolizing tendency itself” (Siegel). JK Rowling uses many styles of writing, especially with
Symbolism is also very important to this novel. An example of this is the war; it symbolizes several different things. Finny explains to the head master that “We’re all
Why do authors use symbolism in their literature? Many authors use symbolism in their literature to create or to add deeper meaning in the context of the whole story. They often use objects, people, actions and words to symbolize a deeper understanding of their story and to develop their themes. They also use symbols to give clue/hints for the story in which they also develop their main characters. In the story, “It Had to be Murder” by Cornell Woolrich, the author uses symbolism to develop his story and to send a message with a deeper understanding of the story to his readers.
In the novel Graceling there are many important characters including the main character Katsa, her uncle King Randa, and her friend Po. Kristin Cashore uses symbolism in many cases to provide more information about these characters without telling the reader directly, so the individual could form their own opinion on the information given. Symbolism, when used in the right book and the right context, could prove to be an extremely useful tool for the author. Throughout the novel Graceling, author Kristin Cashore uses many symbols to give insight on the growth and portrayal of the characters.
Mare Barrow, the red blooded protagonist goes through several trials and tribulations dealing with the segregation and morals. A recurring pattern that blew me away was the repetitive idea of anyone can betray anyone. At first I did not recognize this as a pattern, but as the book progressed, it became more and more evident. The symbolism of Mare’s earrings, one rhinestone for each of her brothers that have gone war, was a beautiful symbol for the love of her family. Comprehending several of the symbols as well as the patterns with memory brought the novel onto a whole new level for me and only increased my appreciation and adoration for the characters. After reading the introduction of How to Read Literature Like a Professor, I recognize the importance of symbols, patterns and memory, and I plan to apply these devices on works I read in the
The first theme of symbolism is the main character, Guy, who represents the theme of freedom by being enslaved to his family. He claws at freedom by working odd jobs and
The Novel and Film of The Grifters had many uses of symbolism, supporting the theme of sexual corruption, and the fall of the three main characters’ craft of the grift. In the novel, symbolism was tougher to pick out. However, the descriptions of the characters created symbolic visualizations of their personalities and human nature. The film had more obvious uses of symbolism through the choice of women’s clothes, the character’s actions, and their language.
...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.
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
themes as well as some of the symbols, and try to explain the ending of the book.
All through the novel there are symbols of
Symbolism is one of the most effective and powerful elements in writing. We see various examples of this all throughout "The Things They Carried." Symbolism enables us to tell a story one way, while all along trying to say another. I believe Tim O'Brien has achieved success in doing so in "The Things They Carried."
The analysis argues the use of symbolism as it applies to the aspects of the characters and their relationships. Henrik Ibsen’s extensive use of symbols is applied to capture the reader’s attention. Symbols like the Christmas tree, the locked mailbox, the Tarantella, Dr. Rank’s calling cards, and the letters add a delicate meaning to the characters and help convey ideas and themes throughout the play.
Symbolism is commonly used by authors that make short stories. Guin is a prime example of how much symbolism is used in short stories such as “The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas” and “Sur.” In both of these stories Guin uses symbolism to show hidden meanings and ideas. In “The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas” there is a perfect Utopian city, yet in this perfect city there is a child locked in a broom closet and it is never let out. A few people leave the city when they find out about the child, but most people stay. Furthermore, in “Sur” there is a group of girls that travel to the South Pole and reach it before anyone else, yet they leave no sign or marker at the South Pole. Guin’s stories are very farfetched and use many symbols. Both “Sur” and “The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas” have many symbols such as colors, characters, objects, and weather. The four types of symbols that Guin uses help the readers understand the themes in her short stories. Although her stories are farfetched, they need symbolism in them or the reader would not understand the theme; therefore the symbols make Guin’s stories much more enjoyable.
Symbolism is a major aspect of writing. Whether obvious or subtle, authors use it as a way to extend their works beyond just the time period they're writing their piece in. Also, it allows the reader the opportunity to substitute his own ideas into the story, which makes the story more personal. The characters and situations in Julius Caesar can be twisted to tell of contemporary society.
A symbol is an object, action, or event that represents something or that creates a range of associations beyond itself. In literary works a symbol can express an idea, clarify meaning, or enlarge literal meaning. Select a novel or play and, focusing on one symbol, write an essay analyzing how that symbol functions in the work and what it reveals about the characters or themes of the work as a whole. Do not merely summarize the plot. (2009 Open-Ended Question for AP English Literature and Composition).