The Journey of Deciphering Subliminal Symbolism in Literature

I began my journey of recognizing the deeper meanings of literature around 1974, when I was 14 years old. Influenced by my older brother, I was taken to see a revival of the classic film 'The Ten Commandments' starring Charlton Heston, directed by Cecil B. DeMille. This experience sparked my desire to delve deeper into the story's background and the historical contexts in which it was set.

That summer, after saving up my money, I purchased a full King James Version of the Bible, along with a comprehensive concordance and reference materials. As I read through the Bible cover-to-cover, I noticed something fascinating: everything within it was claimed but lacked concrete evidence of its occurrence. Matching this biblical text to actual history was challenging but not entirely impossible.

Names and Symbolism

Another observation I made almost immediately was the fluidity of names, their temporary nature, and the changes that occurred with the acquisition of new statuses. I noted the meanings behind these names and their explanations regarding the transformations they underwent. This insight led me to the realization that literature was heavily imbued with subliminal symbolism and meaning.

Applying Subliminal Symbolism to Other Works

Applying what I had observed to other works of literature, I found that the same devices of symbolism and name meanings were consistently used by the best literary writers. For instance, when reading 'Romeo and Juliet' in Grade 9, I pointed out the symbolic devices used in the play. Despite this, my English teacher, who held a Master's degree in Literature, was not impressed. She spent the rest of the year trying to lower my grade in her class.

Reflecting on this experience, I later encountered my former teacher a few years later, just as I was starting my first year of college. She scoffingly remarked, 'I knew you would try writing a book!'

Armed with this understanding of symbolism and the careful choice of character names, I was able to distinguish between literature and mass-market novels, recognizing that literature was meticulously planned stories rather than hastily composed works.

Further Exploration and Publications

My insight into literature led me to write a textbook on this topic, which is available on Amazon titled 'Creative Process for Writers: A Reference'. This book delves into the application of subliminal meaning and symbolism in writing, providing tools and techniques for other writers to enhance their storytelling.

By understanding and replicating the use of such literary devices, writers can create narratives that resonate with readers on a deeper level, making their work more meaningful and impactful.

Although my early attempts at writing gained little recognition from the academia of my time, I remain dedicated to exploring and elucidating the rich and layered meanings within literature.

Just as I delved into the depths of biblical texts and classic literature, writers today can unlock the potential of their works by embracing the art of subliminal symbolism. By doing so, they can craft stories that resonate with readers and stand the test of time.

Keywords: Symbolism, Subliminal Meaning, Literary Devices