Final answer:
Books generally have a symbolic value in novels and represent concepts like knowledge, power, or freedom, which is 1) true. They are part of a broader range of literary symbols that can include nature, characters, and events, enriching the narrative and allowing for multiple reader interpretations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement about books having a symbolic value in the novel is generally 1) True. Books often carry deep symbolic meaning in literature.
They can represent knowledge, power, escape, or even oppression depending on their context within the narrative. For instance, in Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451, books symbolize the freedom of thought in a society that bans reading, illustrating the dangers of censorship and the value of intellectual freedom.
Symbols are not just limited to objects like books; they can also be found in elements of nature, characters, or events throughout a story.
For example, in Sarah Orne Jewett's The White Heron, the tree can symbolize growth or perspective, the cow might reflect domesticity or sustenance, the heron symbolizes the wild and untamed nature, the sea could represent the unknown or change, and Sylvy, whose name means 'the forest' or 'woods,' personifies nature and innocence.
The value of using symbols in literature is that they allow writers to convey complex ideas, themes, and emotions in a subtle and nuanced way.
Symbols can also lead to various interpretations by different readers, thereby enriching the reading experience and engagement with the text.