Poetry Terms: Symbol ♥

DEFINITION
Something that has meaning for its own but also represents something else.

EXAMPLE

The winter apples have been picked, the garden turned.

Rain and wind have picked the maple leaves gone.

The last of them now bank the house or have been burned.

None are left upon the trees or on the lawn.

Green and tall as ever it grew in spring the grass

Grows not too tall, will not be cut again this yea.

Geraniums in bloom behind the window glass

Are safe. Fall has fallen yet winter is not yet here.

How warm the late November sun although how wan.

The white house stands a symbol of fulfillment there,

Housing one old woman, a cat, and one old man

After abundance but before the earth is bare.

                (Symbol - Robert Francis)

SIGNIFICANCE

Personally, I think it's better to have something that represents something else instead of just saying or telling what it is. It's much better if people can guess instead of just reading and finding out right away what the author means. By using symbols, people can interpret which object symbolizes which object.