ICONIC BIRDS IN LITERATURE

5 FAMOUS BIRDS IN LITERATURE AND WHAT THEY SYMBOLIZE

Published By Gurpreet Singh | 15 Apr, 2025
Birds symbolize freedom, wisdom, death, and rebirth in literature, enriching themes in iconic works. Find out these significant birds and their literary meanings.
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Here are some famous birds in literature and what they symbolize: 
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Edgar Allan Poe’s The Raven

In Poe's poem, the raven signifies death and despair, ominously repeating "Nevermore" as the narrator suffers.
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Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird

In To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus Finch teaches that killing mockingbirds symbolizes harming innocents like Tom Robinson, who suffer unjustly despite bringing joy.
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Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s The Rime of the Ancient Mariner

In Coleridge's poem, the albatross symbolizes guilt; its death brings misfortune, serving as a reminder of the mariner's wrongdoing.
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Hedwig in Harry Potter Series

Hedwig symbolizes wisdom and companionship, serving as Harry's protector, but her tragic fate marks loss of innocence into adulthood.
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The Eagle in Various Literary Works

The eagle symbolizes power, freedom, and vision in literature, representing strength, ambition, and leadership throughout.
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