The use of symbolism in plays and poems Essay Example for Free

The hire of attri merelyeism in acts and poems EssaySymbolism is the use of a person, an object, a place, or an idea to repre displace it self and something beyond itself at the same time. Two recognizable examples of emblemisation are the Stars and Stripes on the flag this is the symbol for the United States of America. An new(prenominal) well- cognise symbol is skull and crossb wholenesss, which we all told know represent something poisonous. Symbolism is often employ in all forms of literature and poetry. Many use it because it helps the writer to get their expressions out to a greater extent clear (Prentice hall literary productions 619). about symbols can be read clearly and understood with ease scarcely there are others, which countenance private meanings. Symbols with private meanings usually cannot be compreh quited at graduation glance and instead you have to really understand the text in which you are reading. In order to get the exact meaning of a private symbol you must appreciate the literary work in which you are reading (Prentice star sign Literature 619).More frequently utilise and closely recognizable uses of symbolism in todays society are youth, which symbolizes springtime, middle age, which is summer, and old age, which is autumn or winter. alike there is death, which is darkness or cold, roses are utilise for love and beauty, and doves are for peace and owls, which symbolizes wisdom. Two writhers who could be symbolizing by an owl are William Shakespeare and William Blake (Prentice dormitory Literature 619).William Shakespeare and William Blake can both be considered as deuce of the greatest writhers in their time. Though Shakespeare wrote plays and Blake wrote poems there still remain many similarities between the two. These two writers became familiar with symbolism and decided to take their poems and plays to the extreme. Both figured out ways to maximize the set up of the use of symbolism in their poems and play s.Their knowledge of literature cannot be questioned because the both soared above the rest. Their ability to use unique symbols makes them aught short of literary geniuses. They have hand overn us that the expression of your thought can be obtained in yourliterary work. (Prentice Hall Literature 619).William Shakespeare was born on April 13, 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon, England to John Shakespeare and Mary Arden. Shakespeare began his fosterage at the age of seven where he appeared the Stratford grammar school. While at Stratford he studied Latin Rhetoric, Logic, and literature. His knowledge and imagination is verbalise to have come from reading about ancient authors and poetry. Shakespeare received a license to marry Anne Hathaway in November 1582.Shakespeare was married when he was only 18. His wife was 26 years old. Shakespeare fathered tether children Susanna, and twins Hamneth and Judith. Shakespeare was first recognized as a writher by Robert Green in 1552. Shakespeare became widely known as an actor and a play writer. By 1594 he had written six plays and two poems (Prentice Hall Literature 204).In 1599 Shakespeare and six other associates became owners of the Globe which was an outdoor theatre. This is where he decided to continue his acting. Shake4speare died April 23, 1616, but before his death he had written thirty-seven plays (Prentice Hall Literature 204).William Blake was born in 1757. At the age of four he screamed because he was believed to have seen God in his window. At the age of eight, patch walking in fields, he saw a tree with angels. To the people Blakes visions raised great concern, but to his parents his gift was something that should be nurtured. Blake never attended any schools, instead he was self-taught. Although he did not attend any school his father decided when he became old enough he would be sent to an engraver because Blake loved to draw (Prentice Hall Literature 618).Between the ages of twelve and twenty, Blake wrot e a series of poems. Some of his improve known poems were Poetical Sketches and Songs of Innocence. Instead of publishing his poetry he engraved them on metal plates with varnish, and because he painted then by hand. Because the process took so much time few of his books were published. Blake lived in a filthy London Studiowhere he continued to see visions of angels and prophets who instructed him in his work. Once he painted while receiving a vision of Voltaire. He was later asked did Voltaire speak face he replied to my ears it was English (Prentice Hall Literature 618).Blakes poetry wasnt recognized until several years after his death on rarefied 13, 1827. This tells me that through and throughout Blakes lifetime poets were rarely understood. His poetry was understood to operate on two levels one of them symbolic, the other was literal (Prentice Hall Literature 618).Shakespeare, one who is known for his extremely dramatic plays, was considered one of the greatest writers of a ll time. Some of his more famous plays are Julius Caesar, Twelfth Night, Romeo and Juliet, and King Lear. In these plays Shakespeare shows a variety of symbolism. Some of his symbolism can be recognized at first glance, but there are others that have to be carefully read and studied to truly understand their meaning. In his pays happiness, times of hardship, love and times of joy are all represented by symbolism. His plays are truly nothing short of a work of art (The Complete Works of William Shakespeare 118).One play that Shakespeare displays his knowledge of symbolism is Julius Caesar. This is a tragical play based on the lives of ancient Greek biographer Plutarch. Writer Sir Thomas North translated the content. It was first performed in 1599 and published in 1623. The play takes place in ancient Rome, it tells the Roman events before and after the black lotion of the Roman ruler Julius Caesar. Ironically in the play Julius Caesar is not the main character the character in sp ite of appearance the main focus was Brutus. He is a Roman general and Caesars best friend. Brutus soon turns against Caesar and joins a plan to murder him. After the death of Caesar he joins an army and soon kills himself (Julius Caesar38).Some symbolism in this play are the omens of Caesars death, the warnings of the augur and of artemidorus, and the absence of the heart in the animal sacrificed all symbolizes the unity of an army which was destroyed. The river in the pay is said to have symbolized the faminality of the Heavens. Ared stain of the left leg and foot of the statue of Brutus is said to symbolize the blood of the great Caesar. More examples of symbolism can be found within this play. look for it and notice the extreme use of symbolism (Julius Caesar 54).Another play where Shakespeare shows his knowledge of symbolism is Macbeth. Macbeth is also one of Shakespeares tragic plays. It is based on the Chronicles by the English historian Raphael Holinshed. It was first perf ormed in 1623. This was a baloney about how Macbeth captures the throne by murdering King Duncan. After killing King Duncan he becomes more and more of a man without feelings. After the death of his wife he feels nothing so he goes into battle. He is then killed and Duncans son, Malcolm, takes over the throne (Macbeth).Something special about this play is that the whole play symbolizes a medley of history and legends. Another form of symbolism in this play is when the witches promise Banquo that his children would inherit the throne. In the end it was not his children who inherited the throne children symbolized grandchildren or descendants (Shakespeare 30). This play also symbolizes a compliment to the king. It was sound off to flatter the king because it was written about his ancestor, Banquo. This is one of Shakespeares most popular plays in his time and in the present (Macbeth).Unlike William Shakespeare, William Blake does not show his knowledge of symbolism in plays. Blake uses his method of expressing himself through symbolism in poetry instead of in plays. He feels as though symbolism helps him to express himself through his poetry. Blakes poetry raised many eyebrows in time, mainly because the people did not understand the greatness of his poems. passim his lifetime he went everyday with no one really noticing him for the great poet that he is known as today. Two poems that stand out among the rest of Blakes poems are The Lamb and The Tiger. These are two poems where Blake actually had a chance to show ho much he loved to use symbolism (Prentice Hall Literature 618).In William Blakes The Lamb, the lamb has two symbolic meanings. Onemeaning I have interpreted as the lamb being the people of the universe. Blake appears to have had problems with the people of the world. Another being that the lamb symbolizes is a child, a child that is more than a child, a child that seems to have a relationship with God (Prentice Hall Literature 620).In his poem Th e Tiger, Blake truly expresses his feelings toward the world. He uses the jungle cat as a symbol for the savage and unnamed forces in the world that prompts human beings to perform evil actions. William Blakes relationship with the outside world is unknown, but he was greatly mistreated by everyone. He lived a life of poverty so that may have been more than enough to push him over the edge. Also in Blakes poems he tries to show a contrast between good and evil. Blake believed symbolism makes literature a wonderful thing (Prentice Hall Literature 622).Symbolism is a brilliant way to express your thoughts and emotions in your writing. The creator of symbolism was nothing short of a genius. Those who understand and use symbolism know that it works wonders for you literary work. If symbolism is used correctly it can stimulate the minds of your readers. Using symbolism allows you to lose control of your feelings in your writing. This is why it is used so often (Prentice Hall Literature 7 21).