ABSTRACT
Symbols are used to encourage and exhort certain types of feeling and hence behavior. The symbolism of the play is shortly followed by the symbolism of children's drawings. The art of free society consists first in the maintenance of the symbolic code; and secondly, in fearlessness of revision, to secure that the code serves those purposes which satisfy an enlightened reason. Parents and teachers must understand clearly the recurring human need for symbols as a means both of expression and communication if they are to be able to understand the children for whom they are responsible. The seer of ancient times has given place to the psychiatrist and his interpretations of the symbolism of dreams. Communication is both hampered and furthered by symbolism, and the sequence from spontaneous activities to conscious and deliberate attempts to convey information and ideas must not be left to chance.
