How do you know if something is a symbol in a story? I have to find the symbolism in "Fish!" by Stephen C. Lundin, but I don't really understand if there are any symbols in it, and it's a fairly new book, so there's not much online.
To determine if something is a symbol in a story, you need to pay attention to recurring elements or objects that go beyond their literal meaning and carry a deeper, metaphorical significance. Here are some steps to help you identify symbols in a story:
1. Read the story attentively: Carefully read the entire story, paying attention to any elements, objects, or actions that seem to have a deeper meaning beyond their surface level.
2. Look for patterns: Symbols often appear more than once throughout a story, so pay attention to any recurring elements, themes, or motifs. Notice if any particular objects or actions are emphasized or described in detail more than once.
3. Analyze context: Examine the context in which certain elements appear. Consider how they are used, how characters interact with them, and how they influence the events or the overall meaning of the story.
4. Consider author's intent: Think about the author's purpose and what they might want to convey through the story. Symbols are intentional choices made by authors to convey abstract concepts or deeper meanings.
5. Explore associations and meanings: Once you have identified potential symbols, consider what they might represent beyond their literal interpretation. Look for any associations, similarities, or contrasts that could shed light on their symbolic significance.
Now, in the case of "Fish!" by Stephen C. Lundin, although it may be a newer book, you can still employ these strategies to identify potential symbols:
1. Pay attention to recurring elements: Notice if certain objects, characters, or actions are repeated throughout the story.
2. Look for patterns or motifs: Identify any themes or concepts that seem to be emphasized or explored repeatedly. These could be potential symbols.
3. Analyze context and character interaction: Examine how these elements are used in the story and how characters interact with them. Consider their impact on the narrative and the characters' development.
4. Consider the author's intent: Reflect on the overall message or themes of the book and consider what symbolic elements could enhance or support those ideas.
It's important to keep in mind that not every story will contain obvious symbols, and sometimes symbolism may be subjective, requiring interpretation. If you don't find any clear symbols, focus on analyzing other literary elements, such as themes, character development, or narrative techniques, to gain a deeper understanding of the story.