How are fiction and symbol related? (MEG 101 CHAUCER)

 How are fiction and symbol related?


Fiction and symbol are related in that symbols are often used in fiction to represent or convey deeper meanings and themes. A symbol can be an object, an action, a word, or an image that is used to represent something else, often an abstract concept or idea. In literature, symbols can be used to convey complex emotions, social and political commentary, and universal human experiences.


Fictional works, whether they are novels, short stories, plays, or poems, often make use of symbols to deepen the meaning of the text and engage the reader on a deeper level. For example, in F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby," the green light at the end of Daisy's dock is a powerful symbol that represents Gatsby's hope and longing for his lost love, as well as the American dream itself.


Symbols in fiction can also be used to create a sense of universality or timelessness, by tapping into deep human experiences and emotions that transcend the particular time and place in which the story is set. For example, the use of the rose as a symbol of love and beauty in poetry and literature is a motif that has endured throughout the ages, and continues to resonate with readers today.


In this way, fiction and symbol are closely linked, as symbols are often an integral part of the storytelling process, adding depth and complexity to the narrative and inviting the reader to engage with the text on a deeper level.