Symbolism Writing Prompts: Unlock Hidden Depths

Symbolism is the secret language of storytelling. It transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary, weaving layers of meaning into every word, object, and setting. Whether you’re crafting a novel, a short story, or a poem, symbolism can elevate your writing, adding depth and resonance that lingers long after the final page.

To help you explore this powerful tool, here are 36 richly detailed symbolism writing prompts, divided into three captivating categories. Let these ideas inspire you to create stories that are as meaningful as they are imaginative.

Nature’s Whisper: Symbolism in the Wild

1. The Upside-Down Tree: In a forgotten corner of the world, there grows a tree with its roots reaching toward the sky and its branches buried deep in the earth. Locals believe it holds the secrets of the universe, but only those who are willing to see the world differently can decipher its meaning. Write about a character who discovers this tree and how it changes their understanding of life.
2. The Emotional River: A river runs through a small village, its waters shifting colors depending on the emotions of those who drink from it. One day, the river turns a deep, ominous black, and the villagers realize it reflects the collective grief of a tragedy they’ve ignored. Explore how the river becomes a mirror for the community’s hidden pain and healing.
3. The Moonlit Bloom: In a secluded garden, a rare flower blooms only under the light of a full moon. Legend says it grants a single wish to whoever witnesses its bloom, but the wish comes at a cost. Write about a character who stumbles upon this flower and the difficult choice they must make.
4. The Memory Forest: Deep in the heart of a mystical forest, every tree represents a memory of the person who planted it. Some trees are vibrant and full of life, while others are withered and dying. When a young woman enters the forest to find her late father’s tree, she discovers memories she never knew existed. Tell her story.
5. The Dream Butterfly: A butterfly with iridescent wings flutters through a small town, and whoever catches it is said to inherit the dreams of those who held it before. But when a lonely boy catches the butterfly, he’s overwhelmed by the dreams of strangers—and one dream in particular feels eerily familiar. Write about his journey to uncover the truth.
6. The Whispering Mountain: A towering mountain stands at the edge of a village, and those who climb it claim to hear whispers that reveal their deepest fears and desires. When a skeptical journalist decides to investigate, the mountain’s whispers begin to haunt her even after she descends. Explore the mountain’s power and its impact on her life.
7. The Storm Within: A violent storm follows a young woman wherever she goes, reflecting her inner turmoil. As she tries to outrun it, she realizes the storm will only calm when she confronts the pain she’s been hiding. Write about her journey toward self-acceptance and the moment the skies finally clear.
8. The Shifting Desert: In a vast desert, the sand dunes rearrange themselves to reveal hidden truths about those who walk among them. When a group of travelers becomes lost, they begin to see visions of their pasts, presents, and futures in the ever-changing landscape. Tell the story of their discoveries and how it changes their paths.
9. The Lake of Futures: A serene lake in the middle of a dense forest is said to show the future to anyone brave enough to gaze into its depths. But when a young man looks into the lake, he sees a future he doesn’t want—and must decide whether to accept it or fight to change it. Write about his struggle and the choices he makes.
10. The Garden of Emotions: A mysterious garden is filled with plants that symbolize different emotions—joy, sorrow, anger, love. Each plant thrives or withers based on the emotional state of the person who tends to it. When a grieving woman inherits the garden, she must confront her own feelings to keep it alive. Explore her emotional journey.
11. The Rainbow of Forgiveness: A rainbow appears in the sky only when someone forgives another, and its colors are said to hold the power to heal old wounds. When a town is torn apart by a decades-old feud, a child sets out to create a rainbow and bring peace to the community. Write about their quest and the challenges they face.
12. The Thunderous Lie: In a small coastal village, thunderstorms are rare—but when they occur, they’re said to be caused by lies. When a powerful storm rolls in, the villagers begin to suspect one another of deceit. Explore the tension and secrets that surface as the storm rages on.

Objects of Power: Everyday Items with Hidden Meanings

13. The Key to Memories: A rusty old key is discovered in the attic of a family home. When inserted into any lock, it unlocks not just doors but also forgotten memories. As a young woman uses the key to explore her family’s past, she uncovers secrets that change everything she thought she knew. Write about her journey of discovery.
14. The Mirror of Souls: A gilded mirror hangs in an antique shop, and those who look into it see not their reflection but their soul. When a vain socialite gazes into the mirror, she’s horrified by what she sees and sets out on a quest for redemption. Tell her story.
15. The Clock of Danger: A grandfather clock in a quiet manor begins to tick faster whenever someone in the house is in danger. When the clock starts racing, a young servant must decipher its warnings to save the family she works for. Write about her race against time.
16. The Book of Moods: A leather-bound book is found in a library, its pages filled with stories that change depending on the reader’s mood. When a struggling writer reads it, the book begins to write her life story—and she doesn’t like where it’s headed. Explore her fight to reclaim her narrative.
17. The Lantern of Truth: A lantern lights up only when the holder speaks the truth. When a notorious liar is forced to carry it through a dark forest, they must confront their own dishonesty to survive. Write about their transformation.
18. The Ring of Love: A simple silver ring glows when the wearer is near their true love. But when a young woman inherits the ring, it begins to glow around multiple people, leaving her confused about what love truly means. Tell her story of self-discovery.
19. The Map of the Unseen: A map is discovered in an old chest, its lines leading to places that don’t exist in the physical world. When a cartographer sets out to follow it, they find themselves in a realm where imagination and reality collide. Write about their journey.
20. The Pen of Truths: A fountain pen writes stories on its own, revealing hidden truths about the people it describes. When a journalist uses the pen to write an article, it begins to expose secrets she never intended to share. Explore the consequences.
21. The Locket of Voices: A locket contains the voice of a loved one who has passed away, speaking words of comfort or warning. When a grieving man opens the locket, the voice begins to guide him toward a dangerous truth. Write about his journey.
22. The Shoes of Destiny: A pair of worn-out shoes guides the wearer to their destiny, but the path is never easy. When a young orphan puts them on, they lead her to a life she never imagined—and a choice she never wanted to make. Tell her story.
23. The Teacup of Peace: A delicate teacup fills with liquid only when the drinker is at peace. When a war-weary soldier tries to drink from it, they must confront their inner turmoil to find solace. Write about their journey toward peace.
24. The Compass of Desire: A compass points not north but to what the holder desires most. When a lost traveler uses it, they’re led to a place that challenges everything they thought they wanted. Explore their transformation.

Dreams and Shadows: Symbolism in the Unseen

25. The Detached Shadow: A character’s shadow detaches itself and begins to act independently, reflecting the parts of themselves they’ve tried to hide. Write about their struggle to reconcile with their shadow—and what happens when it starts to take over.
26. The Dreamcatcher’s Cost: A dreamcatcher traps nightmares, but each one it catches leaves a physical mark on the dreamer’s body. When a young woman uses it to escape her fears, she must decide whether the cost is worth it. Tell her story.
27. The Recurring Dream: A character has a recurring dream that changes slightly each night, revealing a hidden message. As they piece together the clues, they realize the dream is a warning about their future. Write about their race to change their fate.
28. The Black-and-White World: A character can only see the world in black and white until they find their purpose. When they finally discover what gives their life color, it comes with a price they’re not sure they’re willing to pay. Explore their journey.
29. The Falling Star: A star falls from the sky every time someone loses hope. When a young astronomer notices an unusual pattern in the falling stars, they set out to restore hope to their community. Write about their mission.
30. The Fog of Decisions: A thick fog rolls in whenever a character is about to make a life-changing decision, obscuring their path and forcing them to rely on their instincts. Explore their journey through the fog and the choices they make.
31. The Symbols of Fear: A character begins to see symbols floating above people’s heads, representing their deepest fears. When they see a symbol they don’t understand above their own head, they must confront their unknown fears. Write about their discovery.
32. The Dream Door: A door appears in a character’s dreams, leading to a place they’ve never been. When they finally open it, they find themselves in a world that feels more real than their waking life. Tell their story.
33. The Candle of Truth: A candle burns brighter when someone speaks their truth. When a group of friends gathers around it for a game, the candle reveals secrets that threaten to tear them apart. Write about the fallout.
34. The Whispering Wind: A character hears whispers in the wind, guiding them toward their destiny. But as they follow the whispers, they begin to question whether the voice is leading them to salvation or ruin. Explore their journey.
35. The Painting of Emotions: A painting changes to reflect the emotions of whoever looks at it. When it’s displayed in a gallery, it becomes a mirror for the hidden feelings of everyone who views it. Write about the chaos that ensues.
36. The Separate Reflection: A character discovers their reflection has been living a separate life, making choices they never would. When the reflection steps out of the mirror, the character must confront the parts of themselves they’ve denied. Tell their story.

Let Symbolism Guide Your Story

Symbolism is more than a literary device—it’s a bridge between the tangible and the intangible, the seen and the unseen. These prompts are designed to help you explore the deeper layers of your characters, settings, and themes. Whether you choose to write about a whispering mountain, a mirror of souls, or a dream that changes with the night, let symbolism be your guide.

So, grab your pen, open your mind, and let the hidden meanings flow. Your next great story is waiting to be uncovered.