Kill-two-birds-with-one-stone sentence example

Symbolism is often used in literature to paint colorful scenes. It affords the writer artistic expression that supersedes bland writing. Beyond that, symbolism also allows readers to visualize complex or difficult subjects. And, if nothing else, it presents readers at the local book club with an opportunity to pick apart various lines of text, searching for hidden meaning.

Symbolism can be an object, person, situation, event or action that has a deeper meaning in the overall context beyond a surface understanding. When used properly, it can enhance a piece of writing and provide further insight to the reader. Together, let’s enjoy some examples of symbolism in literature.

The Anglo-Saxon and Old Norse traditions have a word for a compound expression with a metaphorical meaning: kenning. Simply put, in poetry, a kenning is when you take two words and combine them as a mild translation or metaphor for something else.

So, as you’re sitting by the fire one night, enjoying an anthology of Scandinavian poetry, you might come across poem about five brave men aboard a wave-floater (a ship). Kennings were often used to describe everyday people, animals, and objects.

To no surprise, they were used to brighten up an author’s prose. Why say “a ship” when you can use something more illustrious like “wave floater”? Let’s enjoy further examples of kenning.