This document outlines 8 steps to analyze symbolism in literature: 1) Take notes on descriptions of objects, characters, and ideas. 2) Learn what a symbol is - an object, person, or idea that represents another through association or resemblance. 3) Look for detailed descriptions which may indicate symbolism. 4) Note "big idea" names that are representational. 5) Look for repetition which suggests significance. 6) Research symbolic meanings of described objects. 7) List characteristics of described items and connections to the story. 8) Draw conclusions by connecting details to characters, plots, themes.

1. How to Analyse Symbolism in 8 Easy Steps
Introduction
Follow these 8 easy steps to analyse symbolism in literature.
1) Take notes. Keep track of objects, characters, and ideas. This is the only
way to ensure you can connect the description of a lonely tree in a field on
page 12 with the divorced man on the court steps on page 513.
2) Learn what a symbol is. According to most definitions, a symbol is an
object/person/idea that represents another idea through
association or resemblance. Example:
• The sunrise has become a symbol of rebirth or new
beginning. This is a symbol of resemblance: the sunrise
starts a new day and thus can represent the larger idea of
new beginnings.
3) Look for detailed descriptions. When reading, pay attention to any items,
locations, or people that are described with extended details. The author is
using these descriptions as big neon signs! Make note of
an object’s details. For example, if a flower is being
described, what is the colour, type, or size? Keep this
list of details and look for anything else in the reading
that seems to resemble the list.
4) Look for “big idea” names. These are names that may or may
not be conventional names. For example, it could be something
that is obviously representational, such as “Young Goodman
Brown.” This name alerts readers to the fact that the character is a
symbol of youth and goodness.
5) Look for repetition. If the author repeats the object or idea, then
there is significance to it. In Macbeth, Shakespeare uses rhyme
repeatedly. However, a careful reader will notice that the rhyme
always accompanies some discussion of evil deeds.
Adapted from http://www.enotes.com/topics/how-analyze-symbolism

2. 6) Do research. Do not hesitate to research the list of objects,
numbers, and so on that you have made. Look for historically
symbolic meanings associated with the image. As mentioned
before, the sunrise is symbolic of new birth. The number 13 is
symbolically unlucky. Black typically symbolizes death, and red
generally represents either love or passion.
7) List the characteristics. If no historical symbolism can be found, make a
list of the characteristics of the item. Draw connections between those
characteristics and other things in the story or in life. Consider the following
example:
Item Characteristics Connection
Stapler Heavy Romantic relationship
Holds things together Keeps people together
Puts holes in things Can be hard to handle
(heavy)
Can cause emotional holes
8) Draw conclusions. Look at all the details and make connections between
the objects and the characters, the characters and the plot, the descriptions
and the themes, and so on. Readers may draw different conclusions, and it is
often that more than one conclusion is correct. The accuracy lies in the
supporting details you can produce.
Adapted from http://www.enotes.com/topics/how-analyze-symbolism