Common Literary Symbols - Human Body Parts and Clothing

Blood

symbolizes all the integral qualities of fire and the heat and vitality inherent in the sun; it also corresponds to vital and bodily heat- family ties

Bones

framework of the body, but also strength and virtue (marrow)

Hands

strength or weakness

Eyes

windows to the soul or barometer of emotions

Mouth

indicator of character traits

Chin

strength relates to strength of character

Neck

long slender neck is associated with sexuality, thick neck = ignorance, no neck = gluttony

Knee

main source of bodily strength according to ancient traditions

Right and Left

to look to one’s right hand is to look to the protector; this is the place of the elect of the last judgment, the damned will go to the left. Right and wrong

Cape

or any circular garment with a hole in the middle suggests a celestial and ascendant symbol. When monks or nuns withdraw from the world, they cover themselves in a cape or cloak, which symbolizes a withdrawal into oneself or into God

Cloak

is a symbol of human trickery, and the different personalities humans can assume, a disguise. It can also be a symbol of protection

Mask

pretense, hiding, evil