While reading the chapter on symbolism I realized that there are symbols I see everywhere on a daily basis that I tend to over look. Although seeing them I really only see that which they are representing. The stop sign was a great example given in the text. When I see one I immediately know to stop, rarely do I ever take the time to perceive it as a red octagon. This symbol has a very clear meaning because our society has trained us to view it this way. A stop sign is universally recognized for its meaning with in our society even apart from driving laws.
I then began thinking of other symbols in our cultures art and literature that seem stand out. While thinking about it I realized there were countless religious symbols at work in most of art and literature. Whether in favor of or against, religious symbolism permeates the majority of artistic expressions. The idea of using names in a symbolic manner was new to me. Although I had picked up on it before I had never connected the concept with symbolism. The term used in the text trope, personification is also included under this type of language. Calling someone Judas for example does not necessarily equate that their name is Judas. Those with a Biblical understanding however will recognize this as calling someone a traitor.
This section of reading reminded me of certain reading assignments in high school, Shakespeare in particular. I can remember being the only person who could understand the text because of the religious symbols. Our culture doesn’t train people to recognize many of the symbols that were so common in the past. I think it is important to be aware of these symbols even if you may not choose to believe in a particular faith. With out understanding the meaning behind all the symbols that exist in the world around us we end up going through life missing out on a great many cultured things. Much classic art and literature get passed over because the symbols we are trained to recognize today are more along the lines of the McDonald’s golden arches.
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"While reading the chapter on symbolism I realized that there are symbols I see everywhere on a daily basis that I tend to over look"
ReplyDeleteIt's funny. I always thought symbolism was just in writing, not in real life. I never thought of it that way. But we all have certain objects or things that represent different things in our lives.
If there is one thing I have learned this semester is that there is meaning in everything. And your blog about symbolism was really eye opening. I am noticing that I overlook the little blessing and take so many things for granted, it shouldn't be that way. What would the world be like if there weren't any symbols or signs? I believe literature wouldn't be the same and neither would it's audience.
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