Semiotic literary interpretation

The principles of Semiotics applied to Literature and Literary interpretation. A basic part of Literary theory.

An interpretation of a work literature from a semiotic point-of-view will focus on the significance of signs and sign systems. A sign need not be a sign in any literal sense, although it may be. Any object can be a sign, and can represent something important to the interpretation of a work. It can be easy to take Semiotics too far, however. As Freud once said, "Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar."

Umberto Eco's Travels in Hyperreality is a good read and full of examples of modern semiotics.

Questions that a semiotic literary interpretation might attempt to answer:

• Are there any particularly important or powerful objects or artifacts in this work? What might these objects symbolize?
• Is one of the characters in this work a martyr? Could this character be seen as a Christ-figure?

Examples of semiotic literary interpretation:

In Homer's The Odyssey, Odysseus' and Penelope's bed can be examined in a semiotic context. The bed can be seen as a symbol (or a sign) of the marriage and shared love of Odysseus and Penelope. This symbolism can be seen on many levels. On the surface, the bed seems an especially appropriate symbol, since it is the location where their marriage vows are fulfilled. Looking deeper, more symbols can be seen. The bed has an olive tree for one of the bedposts. This tree roots the bed in place, and makes movement of the bed impossible without the destruction of the tree. At one point in The Odyssey, Penelope tests Odysseus' identity, by claiming that she has moved their bed. In the semiotic context, she is claiming that she has abandoned their marriage and union. Odysseus' strong reaction supports the validity of this symbolism.

In J. K. Rowling's Harry Potter series, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry can be seen as a symbol for England's upper class. The wizards and witches are obviously a chosen elite, and they are given power and a privileged education. Those without magic are given the derisive name of "Muggles", and are mocked for their myopic focus on their own magic-less world.