SYMBOL (the surface features) - A story is made up of a clustering of symbols.
A symbol can be defined as a specific unit of reference that refers to a particular referent. The unit of reference can be an object, a behavior, or a sign. The referent can consist of a concept, phenomenon or process. Simply put, a symbol is something that stands for something else. e.g., what constitutes a "rainbow"? e.g., Story of Rainbow
1. Symbols presuppose displacement. e.g., phonetic pronunciation of word, rānbō, refers, in displace/separate time and space, to a particular phenomena.
2. Symbols entail meaning. e.g., what are some of the meanings of "rainbow"?
3. Symbols can be transmitted in time and through space, i.e., they can be learned and shared. e.g. how have you come to learn the meaning of "rainbow"?
4. The meaning attached to the symbol is autonomous of and not bound by the unit of reference, i.e., any given symbol can refer to anything. The meaning of a symbol is arbitrary. e.g., Olmec Figurine
5. Symbols define the parameters of and assign the meaning to the phenomenal world of objects and of images, i.e., that which symbols refer to is brought forth and created. e.g., what is it that constitutes a "rainbow"?