Well, in Harry Potter fanfiction, the black dog can have the meaning of a protector. Just like Sirius was kind of a protector for Harry in a way. It could be seen as a guide too. Maybe it's leading a character through a dark forest in the fanfic, representing a connection to the wild and untamed magic. Also, it could be a manifestation of a character's inner fears or darkness.
Snakes in Harry Potter fanfic usually symbolize Slytherin's traits like cunning, resourcefulness, and a certain level of secrecy. They can also represent the more complex and often misunderstood nature of Slytherin characters. Lions, for Gryffindor, symbolize straightforward courage, leadership, and a sense of justice. It's a simple but effective way for fanfic authors to quickly convey the characteristics of different characters based on their house associations.
Socks in Harry Potter fanfic can be a really interesting detail. They might be enchanted. For instance, a pair of socks could have a warming charm, always keeping the wearer's feet toasty in the cold Hogwarts corridors. Or they could be self - cleaning socks, which would be quite handy for students who are always busy with their studies and Quidditch. Authors might use socks to show the practical side of magic, that it can be applied to even the most mundane items like socks.
Black swans in stories can symbolize mystery. Since they are not as common as white swans, their presence in a story can create an air of enigma. They might be associated with hidden knowledge or a secret aspect of the world within the story's universe. For instance, in a fantasy story, a black swan could be a guardian of a magical place that only a chosen few can find.
In Harry Potter fanfic, the wand handle stem can have various symbolic meanings. It could represent the connection between the wizard and their magic. For example, a smooth and polished handle might suggest a wizard who has a refined and controlled use of magic, while a rough or gnarled one could imply a more wild or unrefined magic user.
The black cats in Poe stories might also represent the darker side of human nature. Poe was known for exploring the depths of the human psyche, and the black cat could be a manifestation of the hidden, more sinister aspects within a character. It could be a symbol of suppressed guilt or the evil that lurks beneath a seemingly normal exterior.
In ballet stories, the white swan typically symbolizes purity, innocence, and beauty. It's often associated with the main female character who is good-hearted. For example, in 'Swan Lake', Odette is the white swan. The black swan, however, symbolizes mystery, allure, and in some cases, a more complex or darker side of femininity. Odile, the black swan in 'Swan Lake', is often seen as a temptress.
Sundials often symbolize the passage of time. In many works, they can represent the transient nature of life, as the shadow on the sundial moves steadily, just as our lives progress. For example, in some classical poetry, the sundial is a reminder of the brevity of human existence.
Well, in Harry Potter fanfiction, flower meanings can be really interesting. Some common flowers like the daisy could be seen as representing simplicity or new beginnings. If it's used in a story about a young wizard starting a new chapter in their life at Hogwarts, it would fit well. The orchid, on the other hand, might be used to denote something rare or exotic. Maybe it's related to a rare magical plant or a unique character in the fanfiction. It all varies according to how the author wants to use them to enhance the story.
One symbolic short story is 'The Necklace' by Guy de Maupassant. The necklace itself is a symbol of vanity. Mathilde Loisel dreams of a life of luxury and the necklace represents the allure of that false world. She borrows a diamond necklace to appear wealthy at a ball but loses it. Her subsequent years of hard work to pay off the debt she incurs in replacing it show how her vanity has led to her downfall.
Sometimes, such a combination in a story could also be a symbol of chaos or a breakdown of social order. The married woman represents the established family and social unit, and the stallion, as a wild and powerful element, might signify the intrusion of something that could disrupt that order. But again, this is a very unorthodox and not commonly used symbol.