In the short story Is That a Symbol by Thomas C. Foster, the author gives examples of different symbols. A symbol is a thing that represents or stands for something else, especially a material object representing something abstract. But it can also be action or even an emotion the object can cause. In general, it can be literally every and anything, that’s one of the advantages of using symbols in writing. Foster includes in the text what is not a symbol…, an allegory to clarify what a true symbol is. Throughout the text Foster gives examples of symbols in multiple books and their different meanings. Foster uses caves and other symbols symbolically to represent how diverse a symbol can be to the different readers. 

 Foster uses words like reduced when talking about what a symbol cannot be. By doing this he brings attention to how a “symbol” cannot be minimized or made less than. They are used to make a statement, to represent the larger and broader meaning. In the second paragraph Foster says “you know what? It doesn’t work like that” when he is discussing how people want a symbol to mean one thing, for that for meaning be its “maximum” meaning (Foster18). Two readers could read the same text and believe it means two completely different things, this is one of the beauties of using symbolism for a writer and the readers.

One major effect of the reoccurring symbol in this short story is the cave, and both the reader and the writer can obtain different feelings and views about the cave.  A cave could be a symbol for a person’s values, and everyone has different values from their past experiences; therefore, creating the idea that people are entitled to their own opinion and symbols can summon different emotions for everyone. Foster states that “the meaning of the cave isn’t lying on the surface of the novel” this generally could mean that the cave represents what the reader cannot see on the outside or more specifically the emotions and depths of someone’s character (18 Foster). 

In order to know a person’s emotions or values you have to look deep inside the caverns of someone’s being to understand them truly. Similarly, in order to fully understand the depth and nature of a cave, you have to look inside and explore, which does not always end well or how one might except it to. Instead of making judgments based off of first glance you should put forth effort to try and get to know and relate to the person, place or thing, rather than just assuming things that are what they may seem at first look. The readers live in a world filled with diversity and flaw; therefore, not one cave is alike just like one person’s emotions or vales are not the exact same this is why symbols are a great way to connect with every reader.    

 

A symbol can be literally anything. Which can be advantage and be a disadvantage for the reader. When reading a text, a reader must stop and ask them self “is that a symbol” because symbols are not just objects they can also be actions or places. When talking about caves Foster says that “the only thing we are sure of about caves as symbol is that it keeps its secrets” this represents the idea that the cave will never be mean exact same thing to the reader and a reader will not know what the cave means to another reader (21 Foster). Foster starts by telling the caves physical properties then describes how the cave turns any sound into a “booming noise”. The author may have done this to give the readers a better understanding of how a cave or any symbol can completely consume a person’s physical and mental state of mind.  Using a cave as a symbol a writer is able to connect with the reader on a personal level, and it allows the reader to think outside the box. Foster, the writer, uses caves multiple times throughout the short story to bring attention to the diversity that the symbol portrays. When Foster or any writer uses a symbol such as a cave they open up almost endless possible meanings, pointes of view, and emotions for the reader to experience while reading the text. 

In general, going in to the dark cave is the representation of fear and darkness that person has to face when entering the cave.  However, the cure to the darkness in life is knowing the definition of darkness: simply the absence of light. The character, Mrs. Moore, cave experiences is not a literal one but it is still her own personal living hell. The literal cave is described as physically vast in size.  By using a literary cave instead, the author is able to create a cave that is the symbol of Mrs. Moore’s negative past experience into a symbol of her deepest fears. The meaning of non-literal is in an example of how a symbol can be created based off each characters past experiences and values. 