Symbol文学原理教程.PPT

Symbol ---- Literally, sth. that stands for sth. else. In literature, any word, object, action or character that embodies and evokes a range of additional meaning and significance. A symbol must suggest a meaning different in kind from its literal meaning; A symbol is something more than the representative of a class or type. A symbol may have more than one meaning. Functions Symbols are often used to: 1. Suggest and reinforce meaning; 2. Provide enrichment by enlarging and clarifying the experience of the work; 3. Help organize and unify the whole. Types 1. Traditional / Conventional Symbols 传统的象征 ---- Those whose associations are the common property of a society or culture and are so widely recognized and accepted that they can be said to be almost universal. Eg: Rose Love Spring Life Winter Death A journey on the road The journey through life Ring Eternity Big Ben London Great Wall China American bald eagle United States Scales Justice A dove Peace Clenched fist Aggression Fire, Flames Heat Hot temperatures Damnation Crosses Angels Haloes Clouds Churches Salvation 2. Original Symbols 新创的象征 ---- Those whose associations are neither immediate nor traditional; instead, they derive their meanings, largely if not exclusively, from the context of the work in which they are used. Eg: the A“ in The Scarlet Letter that Hester Prynne was forced to wear Representing she was an adulteress; Representing the first letter of the name of her illegitimate childs father, the Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale. Ways to Recognize Symbols 1. The frequency an object or character mentioned in a piece of literature. ---- If it is mentioned often, it is probably important