Throughout literature authors commonly repeat phrases and words in different context. Authors change the connotation of the word frequently throughout the work not only for a stylistic sense, but also so the reader gains a deeper understanding of the text. Repetition can be a vital device when trying to convey arguments and points to the reader. It allows the reader to constantly be reminded throughout the work about the purpose and main ideas that the author is trying describe. In the story “Is That a Symbol” by Thomas C. Foster, the author uses repetition of the word symbol throughout the text to signify both it’s literal definition and figurative symbolism of what the reader wants it to be.

Foster’s first use of the word symbol is used as a way to introduce his problem. “Here’s the problem with symbols: people expect them to mean something” (Foster 18). In this context the author is giving the issue of symbols. He does to address the possible outcome that symbols can have many meanings. By sparking this issue, the reader begins to process and examine the author’s main point (Is that a symbol? / What is a symbol?). The word symbol is used as a rhetorical device in this instance: he uses the word symbol to get the reader to think about the true meaning of what a symbol actually is. A symbol is a thing that represents or stands for something else, but he believes symbols represent more than one thing depending on how it is interpreted. Foster believes that people analyze symbols and have an expectation that they have to mean something in particular. People have certain objects or words that automatically relate with symbols, and Foster believes that’s wrong. For example, people commonly symbolize darkness as having some sort of connection to death. When in actuality darkness can resemble numerous different qualities (evil, mystery, fear, peace, silence, etc.…) depending on how it is interpreted. Wallace states “Well it’s a river, so it means x, or apple picking so it means y” (Foster 23). No symbol has one exact meaning and purpose. It’s up to that reader’s interpretation of what they truly believe it means. People need to steer away from this and examine each symbol how they see it. Although the word is processed in a literal sense, its first mark in the text is meant to get the reader thinking. 

As the text proceeds, Foster begins his repetition of the word symbol to remind the reader of the purpose and main ideas he is trying to describe. Foster continues using symbol as a key word in the text. He writes: “The problem of symbolic meaning is further compounded when we look at a number of writers emphasizing various, distinct element for a given symbol” (Foster 21). This quote and usage of the word symbol is closely linked to the first quote in the sense that the author is furthering to make his point by pointing out the problems with symbols. This time around though, the author is using symbol in a literal sense and in the context of a symbol being a literary device that represents something else. People interpret symbols in certain ways because they are commonly seen throughout literature in that way. Foster is trying to get the reader to sway away from that and decipher symbols in their own direction. Symbols much like literature don’t have a sole answer; it is how the reader analyzes it. Foster is reiterating his main argument  (Is that a symbol? / What is a symbol?), by defining the issue of how symbols are interpreted particular ways because of social norms. In this instance the use of the word symbol and the repetition is a useful device for convincing the reader of the text’s main arguments and is used to remind the reader of what the author is arguing. 

Towards the middle of the text, Foster changes the form of the word symbol. The author transitions from using symbol to symbolism. This change brings with it a change in meaning. Symbolism is the use of symbols.  “We bring an individual history to our readings… that includes, but is not limited to, educational attainment, gender, race, class, faith, social involvement, and philosophical inclination. These factors will inevitably influence what we understand in our reading, and nowhere is this individuality clearer than in the matter of symbolism” (Foster 21). In this context Foster uses a different form of the word symbol. He describes how symbolism is impacted by numerous different qualities (social class, previous life events, etc…) and influence how a person interprets symbolism. For example a lower class African American may symbolize things differently than a wealthy Caucasian, due to their difference in experiences and upbringing. The word symbolism is used in its literal definition, but is a key word in furthering Fosters ideas because of its repetition and emphasis. This form of symbol also helps the author bring up a new idea (how symbols are influenced) and helps him reiterate the purpose of the text (Is that a symbol? / What is a symbol?). 

Towards the end of the text, Foster continues to assert the word symbol throughout, but this time in a completely different way. Prior to this point the use of symbol was solely for literal purpose, but this time he adds a figurative aspect. Foster uses the word symbol to reiterate his points, but in this case he explains how he has used symbolism in doing so. “You will have noticed in these last few pages that I assert meaning for these uses of caves and rivers and symbols with considerable authority” (Foster 22).  I believe in this quote the author is explaining how he believes the word symbol has meaning beyond its literal definition. Foster uses symbolism on the word symbol to represents whatever the reader wants it to be. He admittedly is expressing to the reader that he has asserted meaning to the word symbol, making the word symbol a symbol in his text. Obviously symbols are a literary device that helps represent something else, but in this case the word symbol itself represents something else. Throughout the text Foster uses the word as a device to make his point. Here he is saying how by doing that he has made the word symbol have meaning. I believe the word symbol resembles Fosters main points and the use of repetition helps to convey this symbolic meaning, but also helps convince the reader of his main arguments. This change in meaning towards the word symbol is key in adding a figurative aspect to a primarily literal text.

Foster’s usage of repetition of the word symbol helps not only to further his main points (Is that a symbol? / What is a symbol?), but also adds a deeper meaning to the word and text. In the beginning of the text, Foster repeats the word symbol as a rhetoric device and uses the word literally. This helped to reiterate his arguments and provide the reader with an understanding with the issues he felt towards symbols. Towards the end the author changed it up and expressed how he had asserted meaning to the word. This change not only added a complex side to the word, but also forced the reader to dig deeper into the text. He also uses the word symbolism throughout the text. This usage helps the author get his point across and also helps restate his previous points. Foster’s use of repetition is used to grasp the reader and constantly emphasis his arguments. Repetition can be done improperly if the word is meaningless, but in this case the word symbol represented multiple different things. Without the author’s continual use of the word symbol, the reader wouldn’t have been able to fully notice and comprehend what the author was trying to convey (Is that a symbol? / What is a symbol?). 