Learning How To Use Symbolism Can Help Strengthen Your Story


When you write your story, it helps to understand the basics of Symbolism. When used properly, it can help add layers to an otherwise obvious story and create an interesting subplot beneath the story. Stories that go beyond the words and allow a reader to interpret what you say and find their own meaning in it tend to keep a readers wonder as they try to take away their own take on your story. Here are some common symbols that you will find when reading. Feel free to inject these into any story you are working on!

Symbol Meaning
Garden Nature serving human wants
Wilderness Nature being hostile to human wants
River Life, often seen as ending in death
Sea Chaos and death
Flower Youth can also symbolize death of young men
Farm animals Human Civilization
Predatory animals Evil; threats to humans
Fire Light, hell, lust
Sky Heaven, fate
Bridge Link between worlds, between life and death