Symbols

Ruddy Turnstone © photograph by L.M.H.

Symbols in stories are useful ways to carry the themes of the narrative. Writing themes should be hinted in the text for readers to find rather than literal descriptions that save none of the mystery for readers.

Symbols can be objects, animals, representations of a character’s history or part of the nature of that story’s world. They do not have to be overt. The best symbols are noticed often through repetition in a text, especially at key moments in the character’s growth or journey.

Some writers may have several symbols attributed to each character so there are representative distinctions for readers to connect. Some symbols derive meaning from connotations associated with the culture of the story’s world and others have connotations associated in the writer’s world. These differences add layers to the meanings symbols show. Thus helping readers decipher more puzzles about the characters and the story itself.

Symbols are not necessary story elements, but are helpful tools to summarize the story in its very existence within the text. These elements are also able to move emotions within the characters and the the story’s new direction.