Attention: I have almost no voice, so: Get one of each of the handouts Don’t write on the cartoons You need your journal
Going beyond the literal Symbolism Going beyond the literal
A symbol is… an object that stands for itself and a greater idea. We see symbols every day…
Authors use symbols to add deeper meaning to a story Why Use Symbolism? Authors use symbols to add deeper meaning to a story Some are obvious Others are more subtle
Symbolism in Literature The practice or art of using an object or a word to represent an abstract idea. Symbols can be: An action person place object When an author wants to suggest a certain mood or emotion, symbolism can be used to hint at it, rather than just blatantly saying it.
Actions as symbols Pontius Pilate symbolically washing his guilt away Frodo throwing the ring into the fires of Mordor = destroying evil power
Characters as Symbols The Ugly Duckling The duckling = the human condition Their Eyes Were Watching God: Janie = all women or feminine power
Objects as Symbols A Chain Connection Bondage
Objects as symbols The American flag Real object Symbol for United States Represents: Freedom The nation as a whole
Setting as symbols Symbolism is used to… 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.
Setting As Symbols * Dawn may show the end of conflict, the “start of a new day.” A storm occurring when there is a conflict or high emotions Transition from day to night might = move from goodness to evil
Examples From Literature Harry Potter (lots of symbolism) A snake represents ___________! It is no coincidence then that the symbol of Slytherin House is a serpent.
Star Wars Light Sabers Good and Evil is represented by color; blue being the light side and red the dark side
Lord of the Rings Ring represents the power of good and evil
How can you spot a symbol? Other things to look for: Unusual character names – “Rumblebuffin” Rumble: fight Buffin: sounds like buffer, Something that comes between Even a hairstyle might mean something important in the context of the book, as does Janie’s hair in Their Eyes Were Watching God.
How can you spot a symbol? Some things to look for: Colors or objects A dagger might mean danger or protection The color red might indicate passion Certain animals might represent wisdom, or loyalty or cowardice
Journal Entry 29 Look at the race car and the Zebra in AoRitR. What do you think each of them represent and why?