Symbolism

A Sign, Very clear. We know what this Sign Means

A symbol is different. It points us in a direction but doesn't really give us the answer; is not as direct; leaves it open to questioning. “One of the most frustrating experiences many people have with complex literary works and films arises from the sense that one thing means something else, yet that “something else” can hardly be identified, captured, or named. To a person who wants things clear-cut, a discussion of symbols can seem like an impositions: a “reading into” a text rather than a “reading of” a text” (pg 1044 Literary Experience) this describes me! I don’t remember them coming and asking what I thought about the topic but they wrote about exactly how I feel!

So to those who are like me, here is a hint from the text. “To find symbols, don’t dig for what is covered. Start by paying close attention to the signals a text provides” (pg. 1045 Literary Experience) I think sometimes I overcomplicate the matter. If I do not understand something right away I automatically deem it way to deep to understand and annoying. This is say that I should not go that far and not get to dramatic. Look for signs within the text.

“Symbols ask us to move between the concrete and the abstract rather more flexibly than allegory does. Because a symbol is not conditioned by parallels sustained and consistently reinforced over the course of an entire narrative, we have more room to speculate.” According to this statement, I believe I would like allegories much more then symbols. It doesn’t leave as much open to speculation.

I still do not really understand these concepts that well but I am guessing that I will understand more after class tomorrow. That is normally how these things go. And something that I believe our professor try to implement: Just reading something once is not good enough. Read it again and maybe again and talk about  it with other people and you will be surprised at the information that appears to you the last time you read it.