SYMBOLISM OF THE COLOR RED IN CONTEMPORARY ENGLISH POETRY

Abstract

This article explores the multidimensional symbolism of the color red through cultural and psychological lenses. Red is presented not only as a means of nonverbal communication but also as a powerful semiotic tool capable of conveying contrasting meanings. It emerges as a deeply ambivalent symbol: on the one hand, it represents love, beauty, life, inspiration, and energy; on the other hand, it is strongly associated with pain, conflict, shame, danger, and even death. Dictionary entries reflect the semantic breadth of the term, encompassing physical, emotional, and ideological dimensions. The article also examines the psychological perception of red – its ability to evoke strong emotions, provoke physiological responses, and, therefore, symbolize vital force, willpower, and sexuality. In contemporary English poetry, red is most commonly interpreted as a symbol of love – both uplifting and destructive. This duality is conveyed through various images, the most striking of which is the metaphor of glowing embers, a symbol of fading feelings and inner emptiness. Notably, to intensify emotional impact and create a more dramatic effect, authors frequently contrast red with other colors: green, which embodies life, longevity, and strength; and black, which signifies grief, emptiness, or loss. Red is often embedded in poetic texts through established symbols. The idiom red flag functions as a warning sign, a marker of emotional threat or relational discord, while red thread, rooted in Eastern philosophy, introduces the motif of a fated bond that unites soulmates regardless of circumstance. Altogether, this creates a rich symbolic domain in which red conveys a broad spectrum of emotions and feelings.