As I know a character after which a book is named is an eponymous character,is there a particular word for a symbol after which a book is named? If there is such a word, The Scarlet letter in Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter, the Mockingbird in Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird, and the Pearl in Steinbeck's The Pearl would fit in the category. Thank you for your help!
Other than the word "symbol," I can't think of anything.
Yes, there is indeed a word for a symbol after which a book is named. The term you are looking for is "title symbol." A title symbol refers to a significant object, animal, or concept that serves as the central theme or metaphor in a literary work, and is used as the title of the book.
In the examples you provided, "the Scarlet Letter" in Nathaniel Hawthorne's novel, "The Scarlet Letter," symbolizes the shame and punishment associated with adultery. "The Mockingbird" in Harper Lee's novel, "To Kill a Mockingbird," represents innocence and the unjust persecution of the innocent. Finally, "the Pearl" in John Steinbeck's novel, "The Pearl," symbolizes greed and the destructive nature of wealth.
Understanding title symbols is essential in analyzing and interpreting literature, as they often carry deeper meaning and enrich the overall themes and messages of the book. By recognizing and analyzing the title symbol, readers can gain insight into the author's intentions and the underlying symbolism within the story.