What is Signified?
Indication of something significant.
The Importance of Signifiers: Using Indicators for Added Depth in Creative Writing
The power of signifiers lies in their ability to indicate something significant without explicitly stating it. This allows the reader to draw their conclusions and adds an extra layer of depth to the writing, appealing to their senses and emotions.
In creative writing, signifiers can be used to indicate deeper meanings, create suspense, and build tension. For example, the red herring in mystery novels is a signifier that misleads the reader and leads them to believe something false.
Etymologically, the word 'signify' comes from the Latin word 'significare,' which means 'to make known by signs.' Signifiers can be visual, auditory, or tactile, offering a sensory experience that enhances the reader's understanding and overall enjoyment of the writing.
Proper grammar usage is crucial when using signifiers, as it ensures that the intended message is conveyed clearly without confusion. By understanding the significance of signifiers, writers can harness their power to create compelling and thought-provoking works that resonate with their readers.
Signifieds are an integral part of literature, adding depth and significance to the text beyond what is explicitly written. Here are two examples of how they are used:
The green light at the end of Daisy's dock is a signifier that represents Gatsby's hopes and dreams for the future and his desire to be with Daisy.
The Raven in Poe's poem is a signifier of death. The repetition of the word 'nevermore' highlights the narrator's despair and loss.