“I use symbols to imply abstract ideas. My main objective is to construct a synthesis of the natural, the abstract, and the imaginary, and so bring into existence a language of personal symbolism.” (Kent Addison) Symbolism is defined as using symbols to represent ideas, or features. Furthermore, symbolism gives literature new depth by guiding it to certain themes directed by the reader, and interpreted personally by the reader. Moreover, Alistair MacLeod’s “The Boat” uses literal and metaphorical symbolism such as, the boat and the books on many different levels to Give the book new depth and truly give the story new theme which the reader’s can then interpret.
MacLeod uses the boat as a symbol with a true deeper meaning. Ironically,
