Archetypal Symbolism in Literature & Film

High vs. Low/Up vs. DownHigh-angled shots (camera looking down on

someone) = someone being controlled/inferior

Low-angled shots (camera looking up on someone) = someone being in control/superior

Going up/climbing (stairs, etc.) = moving toward enlightenment, understanding

Going down/descending = moving toward darkness/evil/crisis (belly of whale)

Colors/ShadesRed—passion, anger, violence, danger, love, hate,

blood, sin, sacrificeGreen—nature, fertility, luck, hope, jealousy,

decay, greedBlue—fantasy, calm, peace, sadnessBlack—power, doom, death, darkness, mysteryWhite—purity, innocence, death, terror,

supernaturalBlack/white checkered floor—fate (like a chess

board)Grey—uncertainty, ambiguity (blend of

black/white)Brown—earth, natureLight vs. dark—good vs. evil, hope vs. despair,

knowledge vs. ignorance

Watera symbol of life, cleansing, and rebirth—represents

the mystery of creation or a symbol of sadness

ExamplesRain = rebirth, transition, or sadnessGoing underwater & coming back up (river, lake, sea,

etc.) = rebirth (like a baptism)

MirrorsSymbols of self-reflection and duality (2

sides/choices)

SeasonsSpring = BirthSummer = YouthAutumn = AdulthoodWinter = Death

SunRising sun = birth/creationSetting sun = death

ShapesCircle (Sphere)—wholeness, unity

Egg (Oval)—the mystery of life and the forces of regeneration

NumbersThree (3)—represents unity, spiritual awareness, and light, 3 is

considered a mystical number.

Four (4)—cycle of life, nature (earth, water, fire, air)

Seven (7)—unity between 3 and 4, completion and perfect order

AnimalsSnake (serpent, worm)—evil, corruption,

sensuality, destruction, wisdom, temptationDark-colored bird (raven, hawk)—death, hate,

corruptionLight-colored bird (dove)—peace, love, life

Doors, rivers, bridges, tunnels, etc.Symbols of transition, threshold crossingsTunnel can also represent entering a dark

time or difficult choice