puts his topic on how Lewis succes in explaining biblical concept of creation toward children by the use of several techniques through the first book of the
Narnia Chronicles The Magician’s Nephew. Furthermore, Aritonang tries to
examine Lewis’ works aside from its religious base by focusing on the main characters in all seven books of The Chroncles of Narnia. In line with her, the
review by Lusinda also deals with character, but in this case she only uses the second of the seven books of The Chronicles of Narnia entitled The Lion, The Witch
and The Wardrobe. Therefore, this study is a completely new approach to the analysis of The Chronicles of Narnia and it is hoped that it will give readers a new
horizon from which to explore the books.
B. Review of Related Theories
To answer the problem in the problem formulations, the writer uses theories on symbol that are needed as the basic foundation of the problem solving.
1. Theory on Symbol
a. Definition of Symbol
According to Roberts and Jacob 1989: 279, the word symbol is etymologically derived from a
Greek word meaning “to throw together” syn: together, and ballein: to throw. In the book entitled Literature: Structure, Sound,
and Sense, Laurence Perrine defines symbol as “something that means more than
what it suggests on the surface” Perrine, 1974:214. By looking at this definition, we can see that language actually has the capability to define not only the surface
meaning of particular words, phrases, or even sentences, but that through the use
of symbols language can also be used to suggest an abstract idea; something beyond what is expressed.
b. Forms of symbol
According to the idea expressed by Guth 1997:189, symbol may come as an image that has meaning beyond itself which can be in a form of a particular
detail, character or an incident that has meaning beyond its literal role in the narrative. Therefore, if we want to deal with symbol, we must understand about
another level of meaning; moving from literal and tangible picture into abstract or imaginative ones. Stanton also gives a notion about the form of symbol that
Symbol may be anything from an egg to the story’s setting: a single object, a physical type of object, a physical substance, a shape, a gesture, a color, a
sound, a fragrance, etc. They may represent a facet of human personality, futile ambition, the romanticism of youth, and so on 1965:31.
From the quotation above we need to be able to look for any association which is possible to be endowed in a particular element within the literary work
since everything can be a form of symbol.
c. How the author uses the symbol
Authors uses symbols in their literary work by making association with a particular concept or idea; which can be taken from the
author’s experience that is represented by a particular object within the work as it is noted by Guth that
Much human experience has traditional symbolic associations. Dawn for the example is often associated with hope, dark forest with evil, clay with death,
water with fertility, and light with knowledge or Enlightenment. Literary symbols are rich in associations. They have more resonance, and more
reverberations that garden as a symbol, may be associated with Garden of Eden, nature, or an oasis in the desert. Some symbols have a special
meaning for the writer; the meaning come into focus as they return again
and again in the writer’s word 1997:189-190.
As a consequence, it is very important to know the background of the author since it will give a clue to the possibility of symbols which will be used in the
literary work. There may be some meaningful and unforgettable experience, thoughts, values, or objects or a particular stage of life that the author wants to
capture by rendering particular associations. This idea is strengthened by Roberts and Jacobs 1989:326 the author creates symbols in literary works by drawing
together specific thing with ideas, values, or ways of life, in direct relationships that otherwise would not be apparent.
In the process of associating things to create symbolism, the author try to manifest their complex and rich ideas or philosophies into more easily understand
and visible pictures. Scott and Jaffe state that Symbolism is the important aspect of literary work. The purpose of using
symbols in literature is to suggest that ideas are not enough to put in abstract words. Perhaps, an object that functions as symbol will reveal a complex
idea more effective 1968:188. Using symbols, an author can substitute for everything; which can be a
certain type or characteristic of a person, a very complex and incompressible emotion, a certain set of values or traditions or a particular custom. Even an
abstract philosophical idea, can be turned into a concrete object which will be very common to people so as a consequence will be understood easily.
Perrine 1974:214 then states that the term, symbol, when used in literature is often a figure of speech in which a person, object, or situation represent
something in addition to its literal meaning. In this case, the author is likely to give them a special significance based on their special attributes which can
support the idea that the author wants to convey through symbolism. Therefore,
the meaning of the symbol cannot be grasped literally because it refers to a kind of implicit meaning.
d. Kinds of symbol
