Regarding symbolism in novels?

Question

What are some of your favorite symbols in novels? Not motifs or a theme, an actual symbol- like a sword, or pet, or some sort of item or thing that represents something. Thanks.

Answer 1

Pen (or anything is used for writing, creation and greatness)
Dragon (long-life, wisdom, overall power, legend)
Sword (only when it's a symbol of glory, not killing)
Serpent (Satan messenger, also Gods' messenger, wisdom, evil)
Unicorn (innocence and love)

Answer 2

Biblical allusions, especially when the novel (on the surface, at least) has nothing to do with Christianity. Shakespeare is relatively adept at this, dystopian novels also almost always manage to weave something in, and if I recall my English class three years ago so was Hemingway.

My favorite thing about it is that the symbolism is so subtle, but when you pick up on it, it adds sooo much more to the story. Three trees on a lone hill are enough to reference the cross that Jesus bore, but when a character is fascinated with those trees or spends a lot of time around them, then you would do well to look for the Jesus character.

Mind you, I am in no way attaching religious proselytizing to good fiction, just the symbols that go along with them.

Answer 3

Selected objects make good symbols. A green leaf can symbolize vitality, youth, and new growth, while an old dry leaf often symbolizes age, finality, and death. Many symbols can be quite situational. A Bible may signify faith, order, Heaven, judgement, law, or intolerance, according to the context.

Allusions to other works can be quite symbolic. Biblical or Shakespearean references make poignant symbols. When I write I often keep a copy of the Bible, the complete works of Shakespeare, nd the collected lyrics of Bob Dylan close at hand; if there isn't a meaningful symbol in one of those books I know I have a hard writing session ahead of me.