Comments on: BTT: How Symbolic

By: Janet

Janet — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 04:01:13 +0000

When I was writing my book, I noticed that in every scene where something spiritually profound was happening (although it wasn't always overt) there were birds. And that was the only time there were birds. And I realized that those birds were symbolic, but I had not done it deliberately. Just as well; if I'd done it deliberately it probably would have been heavy-handed. Janet’s last blog post..Aggressive ignorance is hurting the American image and a lot more than just image

By: Nicole

Nicole — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 01:00:25 +0000

I usually had trouble with the whole symbolism thing when I was in high school (and my mom was a HS English teacher, imagine the shame?) I think there is symbolism in today's books and I seem to catch some of it, but continue to miss much of it, too. When my husband and I discuss books, I'm usually fascinated on his few of symbolism. I seem to appreciate the more obvious symbolism out there. Nicole’s last blog post..The Big Girls — Book Club Pick

By: Matthew

Matthew — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 19:25:36 +0000

Symbols are often unintentional because they appeal to different readers. I think only careful, meticulous readers could read into these symbols. In most cases, readers would understand the story without fully grabbing the symbols, but the level of appreciation would be compromised. Toni Morrison would be the prime example. Not all books are endowed with layers of meaning and implications, but symbolism can be a great device to describe things that are very intangible, like death. Symbols can also be very subjective entities. Sometimes I cannot read into any symbols in a book just simply because I lack the personal experience that would put me in tune to the author's meaning. Matthew’s last blog post..Reading Beyond the Words, On Symbolism

By: Bluestocking

Bluestocking — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 18:30:15 +0000

I think in 150 years there will be plenty of symbolism in what we term modern writing.

Bluestocking’s last blog post..Symbolic? or Not?

By: Meghan

Meghan — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 16:19:06 +0000

You're right about that, we don't really know what's going to be studied in English classes. It's easy to assume what we're reading now no longer has the same sort of literary value because we're not seeking it out. I definitely think it's still there, though. Meghan’s last blog post..BTT: Where’s the Symbolism?