As I am sure many of you know, symbolism is the element of story-telling used when an author makes a specific object mean something more than what it LITERALLY is. The author uses the object to help carry the plot along and to hint to the readers what lesson he or she really wants to teach us through the story.
For example: In The Hunger Games, Katniss's token is the Mockingjay. The Mockingjay starts out being a good-luck charm from an acquaintance but ends up being so much more than that; it symbolizes Katniss's bravery, her spirit, her intelligence, and her refusal to be controlled by the Capitol.
Now, think about this: Suzanne Collins (the author) didn't just get lucky or think of the symbolic value of the Mockingjay half-way through writing the book. She purposefully gave Katniss the token early in the series so that it could be developed into that symbol throughout the series. Whenever we think of the Mockingjay, we think of all of the attributes I listed above....and the author WANTED us to think of those things. Symbols help us learn themes that resonate through the series or a single book and tie the story together.
Summary:
Symbol: The Mockingjay
Themes/morals of the story: Survival, spirit, bravery, not being controlled by anyone, being true to yourself and where you come from....etc
Questions or comments on symbols? Do you think you understand what symbols are and how you might find their meaning in the story?
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