Through exploring narrative texts, the significance of utilised literary techniques becomes evident. Of the many used by composers, symbolism is common in narratives, and often carries significant meaning. Symbolism is a literary device, in which symbols are used to represent concepts, by giving them a meaning other than the literal definition. Through using symbolism, writers are free to add extra dimensions to their work, assigning meaning far more profound than the literal.
Universal symbols
Symbolism can be utilised in texts, through the referencing of universal symbols. Some symbols are so deeply rooted in society, that they are often used in stories. Whilst there is the potential for these symbols to be perceived as cliches, the universality means the symbolism can be understood and appreciated by a wider audience. Colours, for example, are often used in literature to represent strong emotions. Red is often utilised to symbolise anger and love, whilst blue
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Throughout the novel, phrases such as “Oh Ford!”, and “Our Ford” are ever present, and characters often draw the sign of the “T” on their stomachs, with their fingers. Through doing this, Huxley has demonstrated that the citizens of the World State revere Henry Ford, the founder of the Ford Motor Company, and inventor of the assembly line technique of mass production. The worship of Ford symbolises the citizens’ enslavement to consumerism, and the eradication of individuality. To recognise the symbolism, readers would need to know that people often use the phrase “oh Lord”, to express strong emotion, and that some followers of Christianity will engage in the ritual blessing of themselves, by tracing the shape of a cross onto their bodies. Without this knowledge, the effect of the device would be significantly