Symbolism in Art and Writing
Symbolism is one of the most important elements in giving your art depth. It can be in the colors of a painting, the metaphors in a poem, or the setting of a scene or book. Symbols can be very broad, like a storm that symbolizes danger, or a crow that symbolizes death. Or you can use more specific symbols, like a broken mirror that symbolizes separation or insecurity.
Metaphors/Similes
Using a comparison is a great way to relate a deeper meaning. With metaphor and simile, its best to compare things with something that has evocative imagery and stronger symbolism. For example, an ocean wave to symbolize strength, a diamond to symbolize elegance and value, or a blade to symbolize precision or danger.
I encourage you to come up with your own. Most people have heard of the examples I’ve given, so they wouldn’t have as much of an impact. (This being because they’re cliche) Usually, if you can come up with a unique comparison the evokes the message you want, it’ll have a much greater impact. Every comparison is different, though, so it’s possible that an overused metaphor won’t get the message across the way you want it to. Often, the deepest symbolism comes from a simile or metaphor that no one’s heard of before.
Avoid Abstractions
Abstractions are ideas or emotions that you can’t experience with your five senses.
Love
Hate
Honor
Prejudice
Freedom
Capitalism
Sociology
Mind/Spirit/Soul
Religion
These are all things that you may want to show through symbolism- but never directly state. It’s all about showing, not telling.
In simile, you can say things like “Their love was like a burning flame” because the abstraction being shown is not love, but passion, which is represented through the flame. (This is also super cliche, please don’t use it)
If you were to say “What they had between them was so strong, like love” then the comparison you’d be using would be a direct abstraction. There’s no imagery, no “show” element. So you shouldn’t do comparisons like that. Instead, think of something that represents love.
Examples Times of Day
Sunrise- potential, vigor, energy
You can use this for the start of an important day, or to represent a more energetic and productive time in someone’s life
Morning- optimism, radiance
You can use this to represent a positive time or event in someone’s life, a phase of enlightenment, or a new beginning.
Evening- mystery, romance, supernatural
Use this to symbolize an ambiguous or spooky occurrence, or a passionate time in someone’s life (depending on the way you frame it)
Sunset- glory, departure, fulfillment
You can use this to represent the accomplishments of a character, especially showing their pride in what they’ve done- perhaps a moral or physical victory
Night- death, fright, darkness, the unknown, desolation
You can use this to represent a low time in someone’s life, or an extremely scary or mysterious event
Colors
White- holiness, purity, peace, cleanliness
Use white to symbolize a “pure” character, or something that is clean or holy
Black- sorrow, mourning, loneliness
You can use this to represent death or evil; a somber event, or a time of depression in someone’s life
Red- passion, health, strength, anger, love, courage
Red can represent many different ideas, but mainly should be used for powerful things. For example, a strong character, a brave choice that someone makes, or an influential group that is forming.
Purple- royalty, magic, faith, trust
This can be used to represent an influential (“king-like”) character that others look up to and trust. It can also be used for a trickster, like a sideshow magician that swindles you out of your money and then disappears.
Green- vitality, life, natural, growth
You can use this for a character that is very in-tune with nature. Also, for anyone who has a good hand in making things grow, whether that be physical things, like plants- or spiritual, like the trust, or love, of others.
Blue- intelligence, truth, calmness
You can use this to represent something that is science-based, or someone who looks at things objectively and tries to give thought-out answers. Also for anything that pushes for peace.
Gold- riches, fortune, elegance, luxury
Gold is one of the most symbolic of colors. You can use it to show that a character has money or power. You can use it with something that’s not real gold to symbolize gaudiness and desperation.
Weather
Wind- power (strong wind), inspiration (smooth wind)
Use this to symbolize a character’s realization of their own power, or of a plot-twisting idea
Storm- hostility, danger, vengeance
You can use this to represent anything negative, from the wrath of a nemesis, to the irreversible will of Nature, to a horrible discovery
Snow- purity (light amounts of snow), loneliness (huge amounts of snow)
You can use this to represent a depressed time or event in someone’s life, or the introduction of a “pure” character
Fog- mystery, unknown, spooky
Use this to represent something that is shielded, an ominous force, or an unknown entity that is perceived to be dangerous
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Originally published at www.howtoscreamincolor.com on March 2, 2015.
