Symbolism

Meanings beyond the obviousMeanings beyond the obvious

A symbol is…

an object that stands for itself and a greater idea.

We see symbols every day…

PART 1: HOW MANY SYMBOLS CAN YOU ASSOCIATE WITH UNIVERSAL, ABSTRACT IDEAS OR VALUES??

HINT: Don’t limit yourselves to objects, think also about shapes and colors or just parts of a picture

In literature, symbolism…

creates a direct, meaningful link between…

a specific object, scene, character, or action

and

abstract ideas, values, persons or ways of life.

Symbolism is be used to…

Provide meaning beyond the obvious: Emphasize key ideas or themes:

A river can represent the flow of life…

… or its depth may represent the unknown…

… the water might be purity…

… or there could be dangers beneath the surface.

Draw attention to the plot:

A walk into a tunnel – or change from day to night – could show movement from good to evil, or that something bad is coming…

A storm at a critical moment can represent the intense emotion and trouble…

And dawn may show the end of conflict, the “start of a new day.”

And give insights into characters:

In Poe’s “Telltale Heart,” the sound of the beating heart represents the man’s guilt…

…a character’s name symbolizes something about him; in “The Lottery” Mr. Graves has authority over the killing…

… and a character’s appearance can be symbolic of his personality. In “The Cask of Amontillado,” Fortunato wears a fool’s costume – and he is, in fact, a fool for trusting the narrator.

How can you spot a symbol?

There’s no one way, but some things to look for are: Colors or objects that are used ____________________:

if it’s mentioned often, it’s probably important Unusual character __________ __________ Objects / creatures that have __________ __________

meanings (lions = strength, owls = wisdom, etc.)

One warning…

Many “symbols” are _________ _________ interpretations – and unintended by the author!

Consider this dialogue from Peanuts. Charlie Brown has drawn

something, and Lucy is seeing a symbol that __________ __________ :

Lucy: “Do you always have the people’s hands behind their back to symbolize your shyness?”

So… don’t go crazy with this stuff! It’s all open to interpretation…

Charlie Brown: “No, I just don’t know how to draw hands.”

What do these images symbolize?

And these…

Symbolism

Meanings beyond ________________Meanings beyond ________________

A symbol is…

an object that __________ __________ itself and a __________ __________

We see symbols every day…

PART 1: HOW MANY SYMBOLS CAN YOU ASSOCIATE WITH __________ __________ ____________________________IDEAS OR VALUES??

HINT: Don’t limit yourselves to objects, think also about shapes and colors or just parts of a picture

In literature, symbolism…

creates a direct, meaningful __________ between…

a __________ __________ object, scene, character, or action

and

__________ __________ , values, persons or ways of life.

Symbolism is be used to…

Provide meaning beyond the __________ __________ : Emphasize key ideas or themes:

A river can __________ __________ the flow of life…

… or its __________ __________ may represent the unknown…

… the water might be purity…

… or there could be dangers beneath the surface.

Draw attention to the __________ __________ :

A walk into a tunnel – or change from day to night – could show movement from good to evil, or that something bad is coming…

A storm at a critical moment can __________ __________ the intense emotion and trouble…

And dawn may show the end of conflict, the “start of a new day.”

And give insights into characters:

In Poe’s “Telltale Heart,” the sound of the beating heart __________ __________ the man’s guilt…

…a character’s __________ __________ something about him; in “The Lottery” Mr. Graves has authority over the killing…

… and a character’s appearance can be symbolic of his ___________ – In “The Cask of Amontillado,” Fortunato wears a fool’s costume – and he is, in fact, a fool for trusting the narrator.

How can you spot a symbol?

There’s no one way, but some things to look for are: Colors or objects that are used repeatedly: if

it’s mentioned often, it’s probably important Unusual character names Objects / creatures that have cultural

meanings (lions = strength, owls = wisdom, etc.)

One warning…

Many “symbols” are personal interpretations – and unintended by the author!

Consider this dialogue from Peanuts:

Lucy: “Do you always have the people’s hands behind their back to symbolize your shyness?”

So… don’t go crazy with this stuff! It’s all open to interpretation…

Charlie Brown: “No, I just don’t know how to draw hands.”

What do these images symbolize?

And these…