A Dictionary of Literary Symbols

This second edition contains over twenty new entries, and additions to many existing entries. It explains and illustrates literary symbols frequently encountered (such as swan, rose, tower), along with hundreds of cross-references and quotations. An essential tool not only for literary and classical scholars, but for all students of literature.

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This is the first dictionary of symbols to be based on literature, rather than 'universal' psychological archetypes or myths. It explains and illustrates the literary symbols that we all frequently encounter (such as swan, rose, moon, gold), and gives hundreds of cross-references and quotations. The dictionary concentrates on English literature, but its entries range widely from the Bible and classical authors to the twentieth century, taking in American and European literatures. For this new edition, Michael Ferber has included over twenty completely new entries (including bear, holly, sunflower and tower), and has added to many of the existing entries. Enlarged and enriched from the first edition, its informed style and rich references make this book an essential tool not only for literary and classical scholars, but for all students of literature.