1. The Hidden Meaning of Objects, Actions, and Locations in Literature

2.  Symbolism is the use of concrete objects to represent abstract ideas/concepts.  For Example: = love = death

3.  = Christianity = Recyling = Judiaism

4.  What do we associate these colors with? = ?

5.  The previous symbols are known as universal symbols, because they are understood to carry their meanings for all people.  On the other hand, contextual symbols (like the one in literature) are often objects/actions/locations that get their symbolic meaning from the content of the situation/story.

6.  Example: In a story about a couple in love, the fresh flowers given to the girl in the beginning of the relationship might represent the new love blooming between the couple. Later in the story, when their relationship sours, the flowers might wilt, symbolizing the dying nature of the couple’s love.  Question: Why are flowers a symbol for love or affection? What qualities do they have that might connect them to love?

7.  In “The Devil & Tom Walker,” the Devil carries an axe that he uses to chop at trees which bear the names of the citizens in town.  In groups:  1. Why are trees used to symbolize people? What do they have in common that makes that comparison valid?  2. What does the axe represent?  3. What might the chop marks in the tree represent?

8.  Considering what the veil causes in the story (in terms of emotions/thoughts/actions) and what people (and Mr. Hooper) say about it, what might the veil in the story symbolize? What ideas or concepts could it possibly stand for, and why do you think so? Your work on “The Veil’s Effect” assignments will assist you here.  List your answer like this:  Symbolism 1: Explanation: