Symbol / Theme

Symbols are what point the way to the meaning of a piece of work. Theme is basically the meaning of a piece of work. Therefore, you can say that symbols in a piece of work are basically representatives of the theme. In a drama such as Hamlet, the symbol of the ghost reflects the theme of appearance versus reality that penetrates through the play. In a novel like Pride and Prejudice, the symbols of dress and clothing demonstrate the theme of dominating social statuses and the class separation in society.