2. A symbol is what it is, but something more.

3. Universal symbols embody ideas or emotions that the writer and the reader share in common as a result of their social and cultural heritage. For example... Birthday Fire Danger Wise Owl Direction Idea

4. Characters come alive. Action becomes more vivid. Impressions paint a picture in our minds.

5. A flowing river can represent life, or as Thoreau said about Walden Pond: It represents “the depth of the human soul.”

6. The sunrise can be the promise of a new day, a new beginning. The sunset can be the end of day, the end of life.

7. A storm can represent an intense moment or pending trouble, such as in Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Dawn is the promise of a new day.

8. In Poe’s “Telltale Heart,” the sound of the beating heart represents guilt A character’s name tells about him/her; in “The Lottery,” Mr. Graves has authority over the killing

9. In Poe's, The Cask of Amontillado, Fortunato wears a fool’s costume – and indeed-- he is a fool for trusting the narrator.

10. Spring represents new life, a new opportunity, birth, or even rebirth.

11. Summer is a time of experience, a time for young adults to gain wisdom, making a mark on life.

12. Fall represents old age or older adults. If there has been a good spring and summer, fall will be beautiful.

13. Winter represents death or impending death; however, after winter, there is always a new spring. In fact, winter waits impatiently by holding swollen buds on the trees, waiting for the warm sun.

14. Since spotting a symbol can be difficult, here are some things to look for— Repeated colors or objects. Unusual character names. Objects that have cultural meaning— Christmas tree, owl, and flag.