This week: Symbolism in Poetry Edited by: Lilli ☕  
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The Victorian language of flowers began with the publication of 'Le Language des Fleurs,' written by Charlotte de Latour and printed in Paris in 1819. To create the book - which was a list of flowers and their meanings - de Latour gathered references to flower symbolism throughout poetry, ancient mythology, and even medicine.
~ Vanessa Diffenbaugh
There is a powerful need for symbolism, and that means the architecture must have something that appeals to the human heart.
~ Kenzo Tang
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So, what is symbolism in poetry? Symbolism is a literary device where symbols work to represent ideas. In symbolism, the symbols align with the overall tone and theme of the poem. Objects, characters, colors, or actions represent deeper, abstract ideas beyond their literal meaning. It acts as a poetic code to add emotional depth, layer meaning, and convey complex themes like love, death, or freedom without direct explanation. Examples include using a rose for love, a journey for life’s progression, or seasons to signify life stages.
 Key Aspects of Symbolism
• Definition: A concrete object (the symbol) stands for an abstract concept (e.g., a “caged bird” may represent confinement).
• Purpose: Enriches themes, creates emotional resonance, and allows poets to convey complex emotions concisely
Types
• Universal Symbols: Water for rebirth, fire for destruction, or a dove for peace, for example are more common.
• Contextual Symbols: Take on specific meaning only within the context of a particular poem.
Common Examples in Poetry
• Nature: The ocean for mystery/depth; seasons (autumn for decline).
• Objects: A cross for spirituality; a rose for romance/beauty.
• Colors: White for purity; red for passion or danger.
• Characters/Actions: A journey for life; a passing carriage for death.
Symbolism transforms ordinary language into a more profound, subjective experience for the reader. It acts as a bridge between the literal and abstract, using concrete imagery to evoke deeper emotional, thematic, or philosophical meanings.. .
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| | | Haiku Collection (E) My haikus. Rather than creating new files each time I'll continue to add as I write more. |
| | | Roses and Dreams (E) I'm about to write this poem for a friend who dreams, and needs to dream, of roses. |
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Poetry: February 18, 2026 Issue [#13609]
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