Symbolism is important in literature and history. It holds significance beyond its literary terms. Symbolism has been used in all types of literature to add multiple layers to the structure of the texts. Additionally, symbolism adds emotion and imagery, defines characters, and hides darker meanings. Therefore, the study of this component of literature is necessary to get a deeper understanding of any literary text. If you want to write a paper on symbolism essay topics and are in search of some intriguing ideas, read this blog. Here, we have included some of the most impressive ideas on symbolism.
What is Symbolism?
Symbolism is a literary device that is used to embody things, words, people, locations, and abstract ideas beyond their literal meaning. Apart from literature, symbolism also plays a key role in our daily life.
For example, in traffic signals, red symbolizes stop; yellow or orange means to move slowly; and green means to go at normal speed. Similarly, logos symbolize different meanings that correspond to the ideas that the company wants to project. Likewise, red, white, and blue are symbols of patriotism in the USA. That is one of the reasons why many political parties use symbolism in their yard signs. In nature, orange and brown denote the fall season. Therefore, for many festivals and events such as Thanksgiving Day that take place during fall, these colors are prominently used.
Types of Symbolism in Literature
While the area under discussion in literature has changed with the ages, the definition of symbolism has remained constant. All symbolism is combined with the impression of a word or object demonstrating something beyond its literal meaning. Throughout history, authors, poets, playwrights, and lyricists have used different types of symbolism as listed below:
- Religious symbolism: This has been the most constant “acceptable” type of symbolism throughout the history of literature, as it is usually authorized by religious authorities who have influenced society for a longer period of human existence. Religious symbolism dates back to most early human civilizations. Examples of literary religious symbolism are John Milton’s Paradise Lost and the Russian author Fyodor Dostoevsky’s The Brothers Karamazov, which are physical representations of the Holy Spirit.
- Romantic symbolism: It has permeated wide tracks of world literature. From the Sonnets of Shakespeare to the contemporary paragraphs of Edna St. Vincent Millay, there has been a specifically productive road for romantic symbolism.
- Emotional symbolism: Many authors and poets use physical symbolism to showcase metaphysical emotions. Stéphane Mallarmé and Paul Verlaine, the symbolists of the French language, are notable users of metaphysical symbolism. Similarly, in English, William Butler Yeats and Seamus Heaney are notable for using emotional symbolism.
Tips for Choosing a Good Symbolism Essay Topic
To write a symbolism-based essay, you must have a good topic. If it is hard for you to identify the ideal essay topic on symbolism, following these tips might help you spot the right topic.
- Select a symbolism-related essay topic that interests you and has personal significance. This will make your writing more engaging and authentic.
- Choose a symbol with various interpretations or meanings to facilitate a more in-depth investigation. You may discuss a novel, poem, or play that is rich in symbolism.
- Consider the historical, cultural, or social context in which a symbol is employed because it may influence its meaning.
- Select a symbol that indicates the significance of the text by appearing frequently in one or more texts.
- Take into account the symbol’s intended use by the author and how it advances the main point of the essay.
- Pick a symbol that allows you to investigate its meaning outside of the text by connecting it to a more general theme or problem.
- To make your essay more captivating, choose a symbol that is relevant to the text or topic.
- Avoid broad topics and instead concentrate on one aspect of the symbol’s meaning or application.
- Investigate the symbol and its connotations to make sure you have sufficient proof to back up your claims.
List of Remarkable Symbolism Essay Topics
Are you looking for some noteworthy ideas for writing an essay on symbolism? If so, then take a look at these symbolic essay topics.
Best Symbolism Essay Topics
Would you wish to create an outstanding essay on symbolism? Pick a topic of your choice from the list of the best symbolism essay prompts suggested here.
- How does symbolism represent the Death of a Salesman?
- Utilizations of Symbolism and Imagery in O Captain! My Captain!
- Symbolism in the play The Minister’s Black Veil by Nathaniel Hawthorne
- “The Lake Isle of Innisfree”: Examination of Symbolism and Meaning
- Draw a summary and examine the Symbolism in “Joyas Voladoras” by Brian Doyle.
- Write about 3 literary works where symbolism has been used significantly.
- Analyze the biblical references and symbolism in Billy Budd.
- How has Charlotte Perkins Gilman used symbolism in “The Yellow Wallpaper”?
- Analyze the types of Symbolism present in “The Birthmark” and “The Minister’s Black Veil.”
- Explore the use of symbolism and themes in “A Rose for Emily” by W. Faulkner.
- Shed light on the changing character of the Narrator in “The Yellow Wallpaper.”
Also read: Interesting Romeo and Juliet Essay Topics to Write About
Engaging Symbolism Essay Ideas
The symbolism essay you prepare should be fascinating and thought-provoking to your readers. So, to achieve that, compose your essay on any of the below-listed captivating topics related to symbolism in literature.
- What is the significance of Symbolism and Realism in Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert?
- Identify the importance of the employment of symbolism in the poem, beginning with the lines, “I Wondered Lonely as a Cloud”.
- Analyze the use of tone, imagery, and symbolism in William Shakespeare’s Sonnet 18.
- “The tone of Sonnet 18 is all about the romantic intimacy of a young man fascinated by a woman’s beauty.” – Describe the truth of this statement.
- How did Arthur Miller use Symbolism in “Death of a Salesman”?
- Determine the setting, symbolism, and character of Young Goodman Brown.
- Shed light on the symbolism and themes of Imperialism in Shooting an Elephant.
- Describe what the dragons symbolize in Chinese art and culture.
Interesting Symbolism Essay Topics
To compose an essay on symbolism, choose a relevant topic that aligns with your interest so that you may enjoy your essay writing process and showcase your creativity. These are some symbolism-based essay titles that might be exciting for you to analyze and write about.
- Analyze how far the use of Symbols and Examples of Imagery in Things Fall Apart is accurate.
- “Iceberg Principle and Landscape Symbolism Unveil the Growth of the Character” Do you agree with the statement? If yes, then elucidate on it.
- What does public transportation symbolize in “On the Streetcar” and Washington Square?
- Find the symbolism of the voyage in “The Road Not Taken” by Frost, “A Worn Path” by Welty, and “I Used to Live Here Once” by Rhys.
- How did James Joyce use symbolism in “Araby”?
- Explore the setting, character development, and symbolism in the Play A Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen.
- Shed light on the use of Imagery and Symbolism in “Good Country People.”
- Highlight how W. B. Yeats presented Modernism through Symbolism and Imagery in his works.
Top Symbolism Essay Topics
If you wish to create a high-quality symbolism essay worthy of securing good scores, then for your assignments, choose any of the top-rated essay questions about symbolism that we have recommended here.
- How did Woolf use symbolism to write good fiction?
- What are the different ways to identify symbolism in a text?
- How does symbolism add depth to a story?
- Explain how symbolism is used in “Frankenstein”
- Discuss the structure of symbolism.
- What is the difference between symbolism and themes?
- Describe the characteristics of symbolism.
- Explain what symbolism was influenced by.
- Explain how symbolism contributes to the themes of 1984.
- Analyze how symbolism art influenced Debussy’s music.
- Explain the purpose of symbolism in writing.
Impressive Symbolism Essay Questions
In this section, we have shared a collection of impressive essay questions on symbolism. By writing essays on attractive symbolism-related topics, you may develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and creativity.
- How was symbolism used in “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight”?
- What does snow symbolize in a story? Exemplify a story where snow is used as a symbol.
- How were silver and gold symbolized in The Great Gatsby?
- State how P.B. Shelley and W. Blake use symbolism in Ozymandias and The Sick Rose.
- Shed light on the Characterization and Symbolism of the Play Antigone.
- What does water symbolize in Christianity and Islam?
- Analyze the religious symbolism present in Renaissance Paintings.
- How does symbolism make viewers reconsider products in advertising?
- Illustrate the various symbols and superstitions used in Architecture and Design.
- How did Rohinton Mistry deal with symbolism in “A Fine Balance”?
- What are the rituals and symbols of Holy Communion?
- Analyze the History and Symbolism of the Japanese Tea Ceremony?
Read more: Sixth Amendment Essay Topics
Simple Symbolism Essay Topics for Students
To help students with identifying a potential essay topic on symbolism, below we have presented a list of simple essay titles based on literary symbolism. From the list, pick any topic and effortlessly compose your essay after an in-depth examination.
- Symbolism and Importance of Mecca to People of the World
- How did Hemingway use Symbolism in his short story “Hills Like White Elephants“?
- Shed light on the use of themes and symbolism in “Fahrenheit 451.”
- How did Harriet Jacobs use Symbolism in “Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl“?
- Explore the use of Symbolism in “Heart of Darkness” by Joseph Conrad.
- Did the symbolism used in the play “A Doll’s House” by Henrik Ibsen add any value to the story?
- Analyze the value and relationship between theatrical plays and symbolism.
- Examine the importance of symbolism and foreshadowing in “Romeo and Juliet“.
- Justify the use of landscape symbolism in Hemingway’s “Hills Like White Elephants“.
- Find out and explain the themes and symbolism in the poem ‘The Dream of the Rood’.
Popular Symbolism Essay Topics
In your symbolism essay, you may discuss any of the popular topics suggested here. But when you deal with a frequently selected topic, come up with fresh insights after exploring the topic from multiple perspectives.
- Compare the use of symbolism in Fran Striker’s “The Lone Ranger” with that of Sherman Alexie’s “Tonto Fistfight in Heaven”.
- What did the white whale symbolize in “Moby-Dick” by Herman Melville?
- The symbolism used by Kate Chopin in Short stories
- Shed light on the Conflict and Symbolism portrayed in the Little Children film.
- How did William Golding use Symbolism in “Lord of the Flies”?
- Analyze the symbolism of the Mermaid in the Book written by M. Curtis McCoy.
- How did J. Conrad use the symbolism of nature in his book ‘Heart of Darkness’?
- Justify the use of Symbolism in “Comfort Woman” by Nora Okja Keller.
- Explore the Psychology and Symbolism of Leadership.
- What type of symbolism was used in The White Heron” by Sarah Orne Jewett?
Excellent Research Topics about Symbolism
Do you need excellent literature research paper topics on symbolism? If so, get help from the list uploaded here. In the list, we have included some distinct topics about symbolism that are worth investigating.
- “Krik? Krak!” by Edwidge Danticat: Analyze the popular themes and symbolism
- How did Kate Chopin use imagery and symbolism in “Story of an Hour”?
- Find the connection between Image and meaning. Symbolism, Myths, and ideology
- Analyze the use of Symbolism in “Everyday Use” by Walker and “Worn Path” by Welty.
- What Socio-Political Symbolism did Baum use in ‘The Wonderful Wizard of Oz?
- Find the type of Symbolism in Hemingway’s “Hills Like White Elephants.”
- Analyze the Description and Symbolism in Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Black Cat.”
- Find the connection between Dream Symbolism, the Epic of Gilgamesh, and Sigmund Freud.
- Examine Yusef Komunyakaa’s use of Symbolism and Imagery in “Facing It”.
- What is the use of symbolism in Frost’s “Unharvested” and Bishop’s “The Fish”?
Informative Symbolism Essay Topics
The symbolism essay you prepare should widen the knowledge of your readers. Therefore, to create an informative essay on symbolism, choose any of the following topics that have good educational value.
- Traits of Character Modification and the Use of Symbolism in Emily’s Grierson
- What is the symbolism of Color in “Mulholland Drive” by David Lynch?
- How did Gunter Grass use symbolism in “The Tin Drum”?
- Find Guterson’s use of Symbolism in Snow Falling on Cedars.
- Explore the symbolism of Death in “The Naked City” Film and “Manhattan Transfer” Novel.
- How is the house symbolized in The Symbolism of the House in “Rose for Emily” by Faulkner?
- Find the significance of Architecture and Symbolism in The Taj Mahal.
- Imagery and symbolism of home in literature: The Most Crucial but Underestimated Things in Human Life
- Explain the concepts of Realism and Symbolism in Scholasticism.
- Write an account of Symbolism in Architecture from the Past.
- Examine the symbolism and significance of food in various cultures and traditions.
- Write about the symbolism of the forest in Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”
- Explain the significance of the color white in Herman Melville’s “Moby-Dick”
- Examine the symbolism of the rose in Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter.
- Explore the symbolism and characteristics associated with astrological signs.
Also read: Remarkable Photosynthesis Essay Topics
Unique Symbolism Essay Topics
If you want your symbolism essay to be noticeable in your class, then write about any unexplored topics shared here. Writing an essay on unique symbolism topics will help you showcase originality, creativity, and insight.
- How is symbolism used in O’Connor’s “A Good Man Is Hard to Find”?
- Find out the story, plot, and symbolism of the “Othello” film.
- How is symbolism used as the primary Literary Tool in “The Other Family” by Bannerji?
- Importance of symbolism in the “Get Out” Movie.
- Explore the use of symbolism in the film “The Wizard of Oz.”
- Where is the Tabernacle used in the Old Testament, and how is it symbolized?
- The Role of Symbolism In “Young Goodman Brown” by Hawthorne
- Significance of symbolism in “Désirée’s” Baby by Kate Chopin
- Why does most American fiction use strangers as symbols?
- Explore the significance of symbolism in “Bartleby, the Scrivener” by Herman Melville.
- Discuss the symbolism of the American flag in contemporary society
- What is the role of symbolism in conveying themes of identity and belonging in literature?
- Explore the symbolism of the snake in different cultures and its representation of renewal and transformation
- Discuss the symbolism and significance of tattoos and body art.
- Explain the use of water symbolism in literature and its connection to themes of purification and transformation
The Bottom Line
In a symbolism essay, you may deeply explore the meaning of literary works. The list of fascinating symbolism essay topics we have recommended in this blog will be helpful for you in composing a thought-provoking essay that demonstrates your knowledge of the author’s intended meaning. So, from the list, remember to choose a topic that speaks to you, and don’t be hesitant to investigate the complexities of symbolism in literature. Particularly, when writing a symbolism essay, you need to present clear arguments after a rigorous study and reveal the underlying meanings that contribute to the literature’s richness. If it is challenging for you to write a creative essay on symbolism, get help from the literary experts on our team. As per your needs, our specialists will guide you in drafting an excellent symbolism-based essay deserving of top grades.
