1. Symbols
SpringBoard 1.23

2. What is symbolism?
Writers commonly use symbolism in literary works to add depth of meaning.
A symbol represents something beyond itself.
You might think of a symbol as having two meanings: one meaning is LITERAL; another meaning is FIGURATIVE.

3. Literal vs. figurative
A literal meaning of a word or phrase is expected to be understood EXACTLY as it is stated
A figurative meaning is one that SUGGESTS some idea BEYOND that literal level.
THINK-PAIR-SHARE
What are some words or phrases that have figurative meanings?

4. Colors are Symbols
The color black is commonly known as a symbol in text and film. Often times, a “bad guy” is dressed in black, while a “good guy” is probably in white.
In what other ways are colors used as symbols?

5. Advertisements
How do advertisements use color in order to sell a product?
Most fast foods have red or yellow in their logo because red and yellow initiate feelings of hunger. (Whataburger is orange, which is red and yellow combined.)

6. Symbols in Advertisements
How do advertisements feature products represented in a symbolic way
Car is a Mustang.
Mustangs are fast.
Fast equals power.
Power equals Untouchable.

7. Expressions
Look over the following expressions that are clearly meant figuratively. What is the intended meaning?
I’m so hungry that I could eat a horse.
Literal meaning?
Figurative meaning?
It’s raining cats and dogs.
She broke my heart.

8. In your Spiral, complete the chart:
Story/Object
Literal Usage
Figurative (Symbolic) Meaning
Three Little Pigs:
Straw House
House made of Straw
Flimsy—weak—Not made to last
Brick House
House made of brick
Strong—unbreakable—Made to last
Daedalus and Icarus
Demeter and Persephone
Drums, Girls and Dangerous Pie
One of your Choice:
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