H is for House

Today, I want to talk about a house. Not my house, but WHAT the rooms in a house symbolize; using dream interpretation to strengthen writing by employing symbolism engages the reader. I’m using Dictionary of Dreams by Rose Inserra (paraphrasing) to help guide us through the process of understanding what each room represents. 

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ATTIC: It represents your memory, intellectual life or matters you’re burying.

BALCONY: It represents the excitement and hardships of romance and aspirations. If the balcony is up high, you are detached. If you are in danger of falling, you might feel anxiety.

BASEMENT: It represents your most secret fears or parts you’re hiding.

BEDROOM: It represents how you “feel about your emotional and sexual life (i.e., privacy, relaxation and sensuality”).

CHIMNEY: It represents how we deal with others emotionally, from inside to out.

DOOR: It represents inhibitions or progress and how you are willing to deal with them. A closed door might represent someone closing you out or your inability to delve into your fears and desires.

KITCHEN: It represents family life and “where your emotions are most at home.”

OUTSIDE: It represents your feelings about appearances. Can’t get inside, might mean you are not in control of your life. You are an onlooker.

PASSAGES/CORRIDORS: They represent the transitions between “different aspects of our personality, or contrasting life stages.”

STAIRS: They symbolize the effort it takes to reach a goal or enlightenment.

WALLS: They can “divide and impede vision, and also suggest the things that frustrate us or stand in the way of our desire.” Up high=objective perspective. Basement level=”exploring your emotions about an issue.” Climbing out=avoidance.

With dreams and your writing, everything is up for interpretation. Using symbolism in writing will push readers to look past your words and into their mind to analyze and connect with the story. It's up to you to decide how you will incorporate the symbolism into your writing.  

What symbolism have you employed in your writing?