Symbolism

Writers can ascribe specific meaning to something within a text, and this meaning can carry great weight for readers—a literary technique known as symbolism.

Introduction

Symbolism allows creators to use characters, objects and language to represent universal concepts that readers can recognise. It is an often used—and very effective—tool within a writer's toolkit. 

Symbolic Shortcuts

Symbolism can be a quick, effective way to communicate an idea to the reader in an interesting way. 

Need to show that a battle is over? Have a dove land in a nearby tree. Need to show somebody's faith? Have them wear a cross or other religious symbol around their neck.  

The use of such symbols helps to save time and words, while the experience of making the connection between symbol and meaning is satisfying for the reader. 

Romeo and Juliet

Beyond these quick, cursory references, creators can also introduce powerful, dramatic symbols within their texts. 

Shakespeare does this to great effect within Romeo and Juliet through his references to celestial bodies to symbolise beauty, fate and inconsistency.

The introductory prologue establishes the importance of celestial bodies within the play, by declaring "A pair of star-cross'd lovers take their life." Audiences in Shakespeare's time would have been familiar with the expression "star-cross'd lovers", and would recognise that the titular characters are fated to "take their life."

In addition, both characters refer to celestial bodies to emphasise their love for one another during the famous balcony scene.

Consider the following line, uttered by Romeo when he first sees Juliet emerge from the Capulet mansion

Here, Romeo uses a metaphor to compare Juliet to the sun, suggesting her beauty is bright enough to light the night sky. 

Shakespeare continues to use celestial bodies as symbols later in the scene when Romeo swears by the moon that he loves Juliet. She, however, chastises him, declaring:

The "inconstant" moon, Juliet argues, is a poor thing to swear by because it often changes, and thus, Romeo's love might do likewise.

These repeated references to celestial bodies are used by Shakespeare to symbolise important meaning within the play: stars represent fate, the sun represents beauty, and the moon represents inconsistency. 

Such symbolism adds weight to the story, suggesting the love shared by Juliet and her Romeo goes beyond mere infatuation.

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