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Can you completely replace the meaning in the reader's mind? Probably not - it's pretty similar to trying to change the definition of a word. What might be easier is the change the symbol's meaning...
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#4: Attribution notice removed
by
System
·
2019-12-14T20:45:27Z (over 4 years ago)
Source: https://writers.stackexchange.com/a/44214 License name: CC BY-SA 3.0 License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/
#3: Attribution notice added
by
System
·
2019-12-08T11:34:22Z (over 4 years ago)
Source: https://writers.stackexchange.com/a/44214 License name: CC BY-SA 3.0 License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/
#2: Initial revision
Can you completely replace the meaning in the reader's mind? Probably not - it's pretty similar to trying to change the definition of a word. What might be easier is the change the symbol's meaning _for your PoV characters_. Try showing the change from their perspectives. Add some event that makes the question their initial beliefs, and eventually discard those beliefs. Then slowly build up the new meaning in their mind. Show _why_ that symbol has a new meaning. To use Rasdashan's shield example: Suppose the shield is adopted as the symbol of a newly-formed political party (to show that they're pledging to protect the country from some threat). This political party manages to get a psychopathic dictator elected. The shield, once a symbol of protection, is now a symbol of oppression in your world. Show your characters reacting to the change - have your MC look at someone carrying a shield and think "There's someone who might break down my door at 4 A.M."
#1: Imported from external source
by
System
·
2019-03-30T19:32:44Z (about 5 years ago)
Original score: 4