STANDARDS F

OCUS:

SYMBOLI

SM A

ND

ALLEG

ORY

SYMBOLISM AND ALLEGORY

Symbolism: A symbol is an object, a person, place, or an event that stands for something more than itself. National, cultural, or religious symbols have accepted interpretations as well as personal meaning; for example, think of the U.S. flag, the skull and crossbones, and the Star of David, respectively.

Authors use the literary elements of symbolism and allegory to make their stories meaningful and memorable and to stir readers’ imaginations and emotions.

SYMBOLS

Symbols that have particular relevance to the Odyssey are those relating to the deities, such as:

• Aphrodite:

• Apollo:

• Athena:

• Hermes:

• Poseidon:

• Zeus:

WHAT DO THE FOLLOWING SYMBOLIZE?• Odysseus’s and Penelope’s bed• birds• Odysseus’s bow• food• Ithaca• the loom• Laertes’s shroud

ALLEGORY Allegory differs slightly from symbolism.

An allegory is a story in which events, objects, or characters have a hidden or symbolic meaning—that is, they mean both what they seem to and something else.

As a sustained metaphor, it teaches a lesson through recurring symbols or characters. It is similar to the parable and fable in that it illustrates a lesson or moral, but an allegory is lengthier and more intricate, expressing a deeper spiritual, political, or historical meaning.

ALLEGORY # 1: THE ODYSSEY

Literal Meaning: The Odyssey is a poem about a long, arduous journey and a glorious nostos, or homecoming.

Allegorical Meaning:

Lesson:

Allegorical Meaning: The Odyssey is an allegory for the universal voyage of human life. Odysseus’s return to Ithaca is the embodiment of moral and spiritual development, which serves as a mirror for us.

Lesson: Home is a worthy end goal; guard against self-destructive behaviors and arrogance; and be mindful of how one applies anger and revenge. Think positively.