What is a Symbol?
An object or physical thing that suggests, expresses, or represents a reality beyond itself. Examples include: a sunrise literally showing the beginning of a new day and symbolically standing for a new beginning; a rose is literally a flower and symbolically it stands for beauty and purity.
Symbolism in literature:
Not every writer chooses to use symbols that are recognizable to everyone. Often, writers create their own symbols for the purposes of expressing larger, more abstract ideas and concepts. When you are reading literature, ask
“Which objects or physical things have a central place in this book?”
“Which objects or physical things appear repeatedly in the narrative and/or appear at seemingly significant moments?”
“Which object or physical thing seems to transform other elements in this book?”
Prominent Symbols
In Their Eyes Were Watching God, there are several important symbols that appear in the novel, including:
the horizon
the porch
Janie’s hair
the mule/the yellow mule
the gate
the pear tree
Think About It
Why do authors use symbols?
What do symbols convey?
Do students think of symbols as powerful or effective literary devices?
Let’s Discuss
What do you think the horizon could potentially represent?
Do you have any personal association with the symbolic power of horizons? Describe it.
What seems important to Janie about horizons and those who talk about them?
Why is she trying to reach a more distant or expansive horizon?
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