symbolism

In literature, there are many forms of symbolism. In our Introduction to Literature class we have covered many stories containing symbolism. The Onion, a short poem on the history of an onion we discover that the onion has come a long way and does not get the credit it deserves. The author is obviously not talking about the onion. She must be talking about something deeper and it is up to the reader to decide. As a Christian we consider that she is talking about Jesus Christ. He went through so much and often gets no credit. Many “Christ-followers” do not continually grasp what He has done for us. Another example of symbolism is Sonney’s Blues. In the story the music is so important, but is it possible that the jazz music is more than just music? Maybe the music represents each person’s individual desire to express themselves and to be understood.
            Regardless of what is interpreted through a story, the author desires for it to be deeper than merely an onion or music. The definition of symbolism is a word that stands for something else. “It is something (an object, a word, an image) that is used to suggest a range of associations or feelings.”
            Symbolism is a great way for an author to express something that they cannot really put their finger on. It is a way of telling a story inside of a story. When they want to get a point across, but it just doesn’t seem to come out right, they can use symbolism. The Bible is full of symbolism and I think it conveys much more than would be able to be told if it were done in a matter of fact way.