Symbolism is a literary technique that adds meaning to a short story by using an event or object as a symbol to represent something else. For example, a gravestone may be a symbol of death since gravestones are associated with death. A character who has a dream about a gravestone may actually be having a dream about death. Symbolism is used by authors for a variety of reasons. Many authors use symbolism to subtly allude to the meaning of something without being obvious.
Cultural Symbols
Symbols help the reader relate to their environment. Symbols of culture can help the reader understand context for the story's setting. For example, if the author wants to showcase symbols of China, he may include Chinese food, the Ying-Yang symbol, bamboo, martial arts or a unique type of Chinese artistry. Symbols can also represent the time period of a culture. For example, wagons, cowboy hats and six-shooters indicate to the reader that the story is taking place in the old west.
Symbols for Intangible objects
A symbol will often be used as a subtle focal point of attention. For example, throughout a story, a child may always play soccer with her best friend. One day the soccer ball disappears or gets punctured. The author may use the broken ball to symbolize a damaged friendship or a relationship that is coming to an end.
Overt Symbols
Many symbols are so overt that it is possible to forget that they are even symbols. For example, religious icons, such as a cross or Star of David, represent an entire group of people, a religion and quite possibly many other things. These types of symbols are very obvious and can say much by simply being introduced.
Personal Symbols
Symbols can also be personal and not universal. The author may include personal symbols or bizarre symbols in a story. A symbol can be whatever an author wishes it to be, and can define any themes or concepts; there are no limits. For example, if a character always thinks of an ostrich whenever she remembers a parent, the ostrich can be seen as a symbol for the parent. It doesn't need to make sense for it to be a symbol.
