What roles do symbols play in novels?

In WW2 novels, women often play the role of providers. With men at war, they enter the workforce in large numbers, like in factories producing war supplies. They are also depicted as communicators, writing letters to soldiers at the front, which serves as a moral boost for the troops.

The roles of youth in history novels are multi - faceted. They can be the connectors between different generations. They inherit the wisdom of the elders and at the same time, introduce new concepts. In some novels, young characters are the ones who bridge the gap between different social classes. They might be the friends of both the rich and the poor, and through their relationships, they can either exacerbate or ease the class tensions. Also, they are the ones who are most adaptable to change, so they can be used to show how a society in a historical novel is evolving or being transformed.

Guns can play the role of a game - changer. They might be the only thing that can harm a certain powerful and nearly invincible creature in a fantasy world.

Many times, halflings are the ones who provide comic relief. Their small size and sometimes naive ways can lead to humorous situations. However, they can also be heroes. For instance, they might use their stealth and intelligence to outwit enemies that are much larger and stronger. They are also known to be great storytellers, passing down their culture and history through tales. In some novels, they may be the ones who hold important secrets or knowledge that is crucial to the overall plot.

One major role is as a source of conflict. Gods might fight among themselves for dominance or resources, and mortals get caught in the crossfire. For example, two rival gods could be vying for control over a certain magical artifact, and their war spills over into the mortal realm. Another role is as a guiding force. Some gods give quests or prophecies to heroes, which drives the plot forward. They can also be a symbol of hope or fear for the characters in the story.

In romance novels, hearts can signify emotional connection. They might be used to describe the intensity of love or the vulnerability of characters. Also, they could be part of romantic gestures or expressions of commitment.

Another role is as an antagonist. In horror or thriller fictions set underwater, octopuses can be the source of fear. Their alien - like appearance and the fact that they live in the often - feared deep sea can make them perfect for creating a sense of dread. They can use their tentacles to attack and their ability to hide in small spaces can add to the suspense.

Women in a novel can play a role in social commentary. They can represent the oppressed or the empowered in a society within the fictional world. In dystopian novels, women might be at the forefront of a rebellion against an unjust regime. They can also be the ones who bring about a change in the values of the characters around them. Their roles are diverse and can range from being a comedic relief to a deep - thinking philosopher in the context of the novel.

Animals can play the role of a guide. In some adventure stories, an animal might lead the protagonist through a difficult terrain or a magical land. For example, in 'The Jungle Book', Mowgli is guided by the panther Bagheera and the bear Baloo.

They can add depth to the story by showing private and intimate exchanges. Also, letters can be used as a plot device to reveal secrets or advance the narrative.