Symbolic Architecture
The roof overhead.
The window your main character gazes through.
The threshold walked across.
The door opened. Or slammed shut.
Structural features may be used symbolically to (1) foreshadow, (2) reveal character, (3) provide conflict, (4) a amplify conflict, and ( 5) propel plot.
Many of architectural elements mentioned below are universal symbols.
Window
lets in the light of knowledge/understanding….or not ( which would be irony )
allows character to view the outside world–which may or may not be a good thing.
Some things to consider.
Are the windows dirty or clean? Does the character have a clear view of the outside world or is theirs a distorted ‘grimy’ view of the world and its people?
Are the windows covered with drapes so the characters don’t have to look out?Are the blinds closed against the outside world or open to all the world’s good and bad?
Are the windows made of stained glass? If they contain religious iconography the characters might see the world through the dogma of their religion.
Is the window stuck open? That might suggest the outside world can enter the character’s space at will? Or is the window stuck closed suggesting elements ( people, culture, etc) are shutting out the character?
Door
divide between good and evil
transition from one stage of life to another
divide between one world and another
Locked doors suggest secrets and forbidden places/worlds/experience
Consider the door itself. Is it old,carved, made of gold, glass, steel, iron-barred, painted red, padlocked, chained, burned, narrow, tall, wide, heavy, hollow, odd-shaped, revolving? What does the door knob or the knocker look like?
Archway
often a divine or religious entrance into another state of being/consciousness/awareness/self-actualization/spirituality
rebirth
metaphysical time-space threshold
Once again, consider the construction of the doorway? Is it ancient or new? Do flowers twine around it? Is it alien technology? Ancient alien technology? is it unstable, ready to collapse ( suggesting once you go through you cannot come back) ?
Wall
strength
division or barrier
privacy
Yep, you know it… is the wall flimsy, strong? Made of rock? Have a hole in it? Or a peep hole? Have a window? Covered in wallpaper? Hiding a dead body inside?
Floor
earthy realm
being grounded in reality
flooring type may be symbolic. Is it marble ( wealth ) or rustic wood ( humility )?
Roof
shelter
keeps evil out
shape of the roof may be suggestive
Domed roofs are emblematic of heaven
Low roofs suggest restriction or being hemmed in by societal conventions or religious/political/cultural etc dogmas
Vaulting roofs may be metaphor for high-mindedness or lofty ideals
Hallway
transitional space
location before deciding which symbolic door you will enter
Don’t neglect to describe the hallway. Is it bright, dark, smoke-filled, narrow, wide, opulent?
Stair
steps toward or away from morality, enlightenment
winding staircases suggest mystery–one can’t see straight ahead
Are the steps narrow, well-worn, slippery, broken, crumbled, threadbare, marble, or Persian rug-covered?
Kitchen
traditional domain of women
maternal care taking, be it with food, spiritual, or motherly nourishment
best place to get your hands on a knife
You guessed, if it’s relevant to the story describe the kitchen. Modern, grandma-esque, never-been-cooked-in? Spanking clean or crumb-covered?
Living room/Drawing room
room where proper social behavior was expected
location of one’s public persona
You get it now! If it’s relevant to the plot or helps in characterization, don’t forget to describe the living room. Modern? Lots of antiques? Messy, neat? Tons of knickknacks? Minimalistic? Dark or light? Dusty, flowery?
Bedroom
love
lust
private room where one’s true self appears
Yowza! This might be a deep characterization goldmine.
Library
synonymous with learning, knowledge, and education
place of ancient wisdom or secrets
Attic
repository of tucked away memories and secrets
place of half-remembered or forgotten truths
storage for relics of the family’s or ancestor’s past
Basement
deepest darkest secrets
underworld or lower realms
creepy or base desires
I love questions! Leave a comment here, tweet me at @AutumnBardot ( where you’ll get the quickest response), or hit me up on Goodreads! I’ve been teaching college-level literary analysis for 14 years, and enjoy helping new writers understand and incorporate all the tricks and techniques of the trade.
