




Symbols, in one’s opinion, are devices used by individuals to reference or represent their unique thoughts about ideas or items.  In Thomas Foster’s “Is That a Symbol?”, the repetition of the word “symbol” is clearly seen throughout his essay.  The word “symbol” is discussed in excruciating detail as to what the word actually means. Foster also explains the difference of a common misconception, in one’s opinion, between a symbol and an allegory.  The usage of the word allows one to identify the actual use of the word “symbol.” This is accomplished through the illustrations of what a symbol is and examples within the essay.  

Foster states in the second paragraph, “Here’s the problem with symbols: people expect them to mean something. Not just any something, but one something in particular. Exactly. Maximum. You know what? It doesn’t work like that.” (Foster 18) Here, Foster describes a symbol as not only being confined to representing one idea or object universally but can rather represent multiple ideas or objects.  Foster states in the first paragraph, “Seriously, what do you think it stands for, because that’s probably what it does. At least for you.” (Foster 18)  Foster, in this statement, also describes a symbol to be opinion based, meaning that a symbol represents whatever the individual desires it to.  Foster collectively communicates to the audience that a symbol is merely the representation of an idea or object which is created by an individual to fit his/her agenda for said idea or object.  This differs greatly from an allegory.

Symbolism and allegory are seemingly similar, however, the two have different meanings in regards to representation.  Foster, in the third paragraph, states, “If they can, it’s not symbolism, its allegory.  Here’s how allegory works: things stand for other things on a one-for-one basis.” (Foster 18) Foster explains a seemingly common misunderstanding between symbolism and allegory.  He simply implies that an allegory is a strict representation of an idea or object while a symbol is a loose one.  Foster then goes on to give an example of an allegory that is commonly known and read, The Pilgrim’s Progress.  In the book The Pilgrim’s Progress, the main character, Christian, is on an epic quest to the “Celestial city.”  On the way to this city, Christian faces many characters and challenges that inhibit or halt his procession to the city.  These places or characters’ names describe what they are to Christian (i.e. “Vanity Fair” was a place of materialistic or “vain” things; or Faithful who was a loyal companion of Christian for a fair portion of the story). (Foster 18) Other places and characters mentioned in the text were: Slough of Despond, Primrose Path, Valley of the Shadow of Death, Giant Despair, and Evangelist. (Foster 18) The names of these places described what they were to the main character, Christian. (Foster 18) The story was written in reference to what a Christian may or would face throughout his/her life. (Foster 18)

Symbolism is then defined by examples.  One example is that of a cave.  Foster states, “All through-out the first half of the work the Marabar Caves hover over the story; they keep being referred to, they’re out there, remarkable in some ill-defined way, mysterious.” (Foster 18) Foster then identifies the use of the caves as a symbol due to the multiple references by multiple people made who had different representations of what the cave meant to the characters in A Passage to India.  In one’s opinion, a cave can symbolize many things depending on the person or situation.  On a calm day, a cave may represent a dark and mysterious place full of unknown dangers and mysteries.  However, on a dark or stormy night it may become a beacon of fortitude and safety.  The representation is solely upon the personal meaning at the time of the proper context.   

The word “symbol” is clearly defined in this essay, specifically through the examples that Foster uses. This is accomplished through illustrations of what a symbol is.  Foster communicates that a symbol is just the representation of an idea to fit that idea’s agenda. Excellent examples and explanations used by Foster allows the reader to clearly “see” and understand what a symbol may or may not represent. One may not realize just how potentially ambiguous a symbol can be. While an allegory is a strict representation of an idea, a symbol is looser and can take on different meaning for different people. The representation of a symbol is solely upon the personal meaning for each individual at the time of consumption. Symbols are a very effective device to captivate any reader and make them think for themselves.


