1. USE PROPER HEADING
Name Date Period Title of Assignment Centered (Don’t underline your own title) DO NOT CENTER YOUR PAPER! USE FAR LEFT AND RIGHT MARGINS. INDENT YOUR PARAGRAPHS!

2. Titles Italicize or underline titles of large works
Lord of the Flies or Lord of the Flies
Short pieces: Like songs or poems get “ “

3. FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS!
Introduction: Give a general description of symbolism and how it is used in an allegory, then discuss the connection of symbolism within the novel. Finally, provide a thesis statement indicating the two symbolic elements or characters you will analyze.
(DO NOT MERELY RETELL THE STORY—THAT’S NOT THE ASSIGNMENT!)

4. Good Example
In literature, symbolism is an object that represents or stands for meaning beyond the literal one. An allegory is a story that uses symbolism to show a hidden meaning to the overall plot. In the Lord of the Flies, both the conch and the scar are elements which are continuously portrayed both literally and symbolically throughout the entire story.

5. FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS Paragraphs 2 & 3:
In detail discuss the symbolic importance of each character or thing you are analyzing. Provide at least two citations (per paragraph) from the text to back up your discussion.

6. Use citations that have meaning to the purpose of the paper
GOOD EXAMPLE!
In the novel, the conch shell represents authority and order. When Piggy finds it he says, “We can use this to call the others to have a meeting. They’ll come when they hear us” (16). Piggy does this because he wants to get the other kids’ attention.

7. BAD EXAMPLE
The conch represents rules and authority. “The shell was interesting and pretty and a worthy plaything “(16). How exactly does this citation show how the shell represents authority? Your citations must back up your discussion in your paper!

8. THE CONCLUDING PARAGRAPH
NEVER INTRODUCE NEW MATERIAL IN A CONCLUDING PARAGRAPH. YOU ARE SIMPLY SUMMING UP YOUR DISCUSSION.

9. WHEN WRITING ABOUT A STORY, ALWAYS STAY IN 3RD PERSON POINT OF VIEW!
NEVER, NEVER, NEVER, NEVER DO THIS:
I believe that ….
In the following essay, I’ll tell you….
You will see that….
I am now going to discuss….

10. Do not use the same word in its definition
Symbolism takes symbols and represents them with a symbolic meaning….
If you define something—make sure you have the right definition! Use your textbook or notes!
There are many allegories found in the story…

11. NEVER use second person point of view! Stay in third person.
If you had the conch, you were able to speak to the group.
By using the word, “you” you are implying that the reader (me) was there in the story.

12. Don’t define a word with the same word!
Symbolism represents things by using symbols with symbolic meaning.
Avoid using vague words:
Things Stuff, A lot

13. Proofread your work! Spell check can’t correct all mistakes.
Ralph picked up the couch and blew into it so the others would hear. The boys stubbled on the beach…

14. Do not use pronouns without identifying the noun it refers to
The pig’s head symbolizes savagery because they could not kill the pig.
Who are they?
He used the conch to call the group.
Who is he?

15. More doesn’t mean better!
Do not write sentences that repeat what you previously said. Be concise and to the point.
EXAMPLE: Symbolism is useful in writing. It is a technique used by writers to show how a person or a thing can represent something else other than itself. There was a great deal of symbolism throughout the novel. The author used a lot of symbolism to make his point. Many of the symbols were descriptive and stood for various ideas other than their literal meaning.