Questions and Answers
What is a symbol in the context of the article?
A symbol is a sign that represents or substitutes another object, phenomenon or action without a direct resemblance, as its meaning is based on convention and intention.
Give an example of a symbol in Western culture from the article.
The balance representing justice.
How do symbols relate to different cultures according to the article?
Symbols can vary between cultures, with different meanings attached to the same objects.
How does the author or poet use symbols in literary creation?
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What feeling might a reader experience from a symbol without knowing its exact meaning?
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What does the 'camino' symbolize in Antonio Machado's poem?
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What is the significance behind Juan Ramón Jiménez's use of the word 'piedra'?
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What is the main function of symbols in literary works?
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Why are symbols considered flexible?
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What is the relationship between a symbol and what it represents?
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Study Notes
Symbols
- A symbol is a sign that represents or substitutes for another object, phenomenon, or action, with no direct resemblance to what it represents.
- The relationship between the symbol and what it represents is entirely conventional and intentional, making it subjective.
- Examples of symbols include the balance representing justice, the dove representing peace, and the Olympic symbol.
Cultural Significance of Symbols
- Symbols are flexible because they relate concepts unique to each culture.
- Different cultures associate different meanings with the same symbol, e.g., black represents mourning in the West, but white represents mourning in the East.
Symbols in Literary Creation
- In literary creation, authors create their own symbols that evoke emotions in readers.
- Symbols often represent abstractions of reality, with a hidden meaning behind their apparent significance.
- Examples of symbolic usage in poetry:
- Antonio Machado's poem XXIX, where the symbol "camino" (road) represents the idea that life is not predetermined and must be constructed by each individual.
- Juan Ramón Jiménez's poem, where the symbol "piedra" (stone) is used to convey a sense of stability and support.
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Description
Explore the concept of symbols in literature and other fields of human knowledge. Learn how symbols are used to represent abstract ideas and concepts.
