1. Signs of Something More
Symbols
Signs of Something More

2. What do these shapes mean?
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3. What Is a Symbol?
A symbol is a person, place, thing, or event that stands both for itself and for something beyond itself.
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The use of symbols in literature is called symbolism.

4. Why Do Writers Use Symbols?
Writers may use symbols to
suggest layers of meaning to their work
emphasize the story’s theme
allow readers to form their own interpretations
speak forcefully to readers’ emotions and imaginations

5. Identifying Symbols To identify symbols, keep in mind that
symbols are often visual.
Look for things that seem out of place.
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6. Identifying Symbols To identify symbols, keep in mind that
symbols are often given great emphasis in a story.
Look for events, objects, or settings to which the writer has given a great deal of emphasis.
Look for objects, people, or words that reappear throughout the story.

7. Identifying Symbols To identify symbols, keep in mind that
symbols are a form of figurative language.
A symbol is something that is identified with something else that is very different.
Ask yourself: Does this item also stand for something that is essentially different from itself?

8. Identifying Symbols To identify symbols, keep in mind that
symbols usually have something to do with a story’s theme.
Ask yourself: How does this item relate to the story’s overall message?

9. A Word to the Wise Don’t look for symbols in everything you read.
Not all writers use symbolism.
Not all symbols are universal.
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Is the wolf:
A symbol of nature and beauty?
A symbol of death and danger?
Just a wolf?

10. What Have You Learned? Are the following statements true or false?
______— Symbols are not always universal.
______— A symbol represents more than itself.
______— All writers use symbols.
______— Symbols sometimes connect to a story’s theme.
True
True
False
True

11. The End