4/8

Symbols are closely connected with allegories and metaphors. In literature symbols have an infamous reputation amongst high school students as the objects, colors, and ideas that repeat themselves subtly and refer (somehow) to other ideas and connect larger themes in the story. The greatest example from Hamlet that I can think of is Hamlet's constant dwelling over the topic of death. Death as a symbol connects Hamlet's extremely complex character to the extremely simplistic plot of a revenge tragedy. Death is the ultimate force that ends the play, it is the force that sets the events of the play in motion, and it is enough of a mystery to give pause to Hamlet and to allow him to hesitate and procrastinate further into the play. Death and Hamlet have a close relationship that is shadily played out on stage for the audience to interpret as revealing of Hamlet's character. Symbols require another level of interpretation, which is what makes it so infamous amongst the rank and file of high school students.