Part II, Chapters 7–8: Symbolism and Allegory & Idea or Theme

Symbolism and allegory, like metaphors and similes are modes that expand meaning.

Symbolism and allegory, like metaphors and similes are modes that expand meaning.

In effect, a symbol is a substitute for the elements being signified, much as the flag stands for the ideals of the nation.

Many symbols are generally or universally recognized and are therefore cultural (also called universal).

Many symbols are generally or universally recognized and are therefore cultural (also called universal).

Objects and descriptions that are not universal symbols can be symbols only if they are made so within individual works. These are contextual, private, or authorial symbols.

Objects and descriptions that are not universal symbols can be symbols only if they are made so within individual works. These are contextual, private, or authorial symbols.

Objects and descriptions that are not universal symbols can be symbols only if they are made so within individual works. These are contextual, private, or authorial symbols.

The fable (from the Latin word fabula, a story or narration) is an old, brief, and popular form. Often but not always, fables are about animals that possess human traits (such fables are called beast fables).

A parable (from the Greek word parabole, a "setting beside" or comparison) is a short, simple story with a moral or religious thrust.

A myth (from the Greek word muthos, a "story" or "plot") is a traditional story that reflects and embodies the religious, philosophical, and cultural values of the civilization in which it is composed.

Cultural or universal symbols and allegories often involve allusions to other works from our cultural heritage, such as the Bible, ancient history and literature, and works of the British and American traditions.

Although we have noted only one idea in these two works, most stories contain many ideas. When one of the ideas seems to be the major one, which recurs throughout the work, it is called the theme.

A word that is often used as an equivalent to idea is issue, which may be defined as an open and unsettled point or concern about which there may be argument or contention.

Literature embodies values along with ideas. Value, of course, commonly refers to the price of something, but in the realm of ideas and principles, it is a standard of what is desired, sought, esteemed, and treasured.