Based on those two opinions, there is a similarity a symbol may be very special to a particular literary work so that we need to understand to work deeply if we want to
find and analyze the symbols. Yet, there may be a case when the symbols have a general meaning in daily life so that the interpretation of them within the work will make the
reader go out of the literary work. However, the most important thing is that symbols can be said to be the product of a particular custom. In this case, the background of the
author is likely to give an important influence in the production process of the symbol.
d. How to Find the Symbol
To find the symbol within the literature, Stanton 1965:32 gives a clue that when a detail is made into a symbol by the author, it is somehow conspicuous for some reason
other than its factual importance. He adds it may be conspicuous because it repeats or resembles certain other details. Therefore, the readers‘ ability in examining every detail
in the story is needed to find symbols. Not only the details, the reader must notice any pattern or linking between the details that the author gives since it may a key to reveal
the symbolism. Rohrberger and Woods say that what the readers need to do is to just trust the
story, for when an author wants to mark an object or detail with symbolic significance, he or she will indicate; can be explicitly or implicitly, his intended meanings 1971:16.
Thus, not only noticing the detail, the writer must also know that the creation of symbol is actually purposive as a way to deliver a particular thought, emotion, vision that is
meaningful both for the author and the reader. This purpose is manifested through
emphasis, repetition, implications, or recurring patterns 1971:17. Those things can be a hint that should not be neglected in order to get the actual understanding of the literary
work to find symbols.
e. How to Analyze the Symbol
Stanton, furthermore states that in analyzing the symbol of the novel, the readers can study the symbols in two ways. First, we can look for one main symbol, its meaning,
its relation to the whole work, how details of the work make the meaning clear. Next is to explore a number of symbols, their meaning, the relation between the meaning of the
symbols, and the changes of meaning that happen in the different usage of the symbols, thus, we need to know what kind of symbol we want to find in a literary work 1965:54.
A further idea that can be applied in order to be able to find and analyze the symbolic meanings in a particular work of literature may be what Thomas and Johnson
give, as follows: 1.The reader should find clues that give details to be taken symbolically.
Symbols nearly almost indicate their existence by emphasis, repetition, or position. 2. The meaning of a literary symbol must be established and supported by the
entire context because the symbol has its meaning within the context not outside. 3. A symbol may have more than one meaning in which case its meanings are
controlled by the context of the literary work 1998:214-215. These cautions will give important guidance in the process of analyzing the use
of symbol in literary works so that the reader will finally be able to get the precise meaning conveyed through symbols.
