Example: A Lighthouse and Hope
A (Lighthouse) has property X (Guiding Light)

A lighthouse emits a steady, guiding light to help ships navigate safely through darkness and storms.

B (Hope) has property X (Guiding Light)

Theme
Hope acts as a guiding light in difficult times, helping people navigate through challenges and uncertainty.

How A Symbolizes B

Because both the lighthouse and hope share the property of being a “guiding light,” the lighthouse can symbolize hope.

The lighthouse’s light represents the idea that hope can guide us through life’s storms and darkness.

Example – Symbolism in a Story

Imagine a short story about a character going through a difficult time. Here’s how the symbolism could be woven in:

Story Excerpt:

On the darkest night of her life, Clara stood on the cliff, staring at the distant lighthouse. Its beam cut through the storm, unwavering and constant. She felt lost, adrift in her own sea of despair, but the lighthouse’s light reminded her of something her grandmother once said: “Even in the darkest storms, there’s always a light to guide you home.” Clara took a deep breath, feeling a flicker of something she hadn’t felt in weeks—hope.

Explanation of Symbolism:
A (Lighthouse) has the property of being a guiding light.

B (Hope) has the property of being a guiding light.

Therefore, the lighthouse symbolizes hope, representing how hope can guide us through difficult times.