What is a symbol?

Symbol is an artistic expression technique, which links abstract concepts or emotions with concrete images or symbols to stimulate people's singing and emotional experience.

Symbols can have many forms of expression, which can be a paragraph, an image, an action or a symbol. By giving these images or symbols special meaning, it allows people to understand and experience abstract concepts or emotions through association and perception. Symbol is not only a means of expression, but also a way of thinking. It helps people to associate abstract concepts with concrete images, so as to better understand and experience the meaning and value of life.

Symbols can be divided into different types, including simile, metaphor, metonymy and personification. These types relate abstract concepts or emotions with concrete images or symbols to achieve the purpose of expressing and transmitting information.

For example, in literary works, authors often use symbolic techniques to describe characters, plot development or social phenomena. In painting, artists can express their feelings and thoughts through elements such as colors, lines and composition. In music, composers can convey emotions and artistic conception through melody, rhythm and timbre.

Symbolic features:

1, borrowing meaning: Symbols usually express abstract concepts, emotions or ideas with the help of concrete objects, images or symbols. For example, in literary works, authors often use animals, plants or natural landscapes to symbolize a certain personality, social class or moral concept.

2. Hint: Another important feature of a symbol is its hint. By using symbolism, the author can implicitly express his views and feelings, thus guiding readers to deeply think and understand the theme and connotation of the work.

3. Polysemy: Symbols often have polysemy, that is, the same image or symbol may have different symbolic meanings in different cultural backgrounds and contexts. For example, in western culture, dragons are usually used to symbolize evil and darkness, while in China culture, dragons are regarded as symbols of good luck and authority.

4. Universality: The concepts, feelings or thoughts expressed by symbols are usually universal, which can transcend the limitations of time and space and arouse readers' admiration and recognition. For example, in literary works, the image of mother is often used to symbolize kindness, warmth and tolerance.

5. Stability: The meaning expressed by symbols is usually relatively stable and will not change with the changes of time and environment. For example, in painting, red roses are often used to symbolize love and romance.