1. Literary Elements Part Three:
Point of View + Theme

2. Symbol

3. Symbolism
Symbol = A person, place, object, or activity that stands for something beyond itself, something bigger.
Authors use symbols because they add depth and meaning to the story.
Symbols can be:
A person
Seasons
Colors
Objects
Signs
ETC!

4. Even toddlers recognize common symbols…

5. We use symbols when texting to represent larger thoughts…

6. Groups use symbols
For example…

7. Color often symbolize moods..
Yellow = ?
Red = ?
White = ?
Blue = ?

8. How about a pink ribbon?

9. What’s the diff?

10. Which would you rather receive?

11. Seasons can be used as symbols

12. Objects can hold meaning too …

13. Common Symbols in Literature:
Light = new, good, enlightenment
Dark = evil, mysterious, mischievous
Water = renewal or change
Fire = passion
Rising Sun = hope
Setting Sun = an end
Snake = evil, bad spirit
Road/Path= a journey

14. Voice

15. Voice
Voice = Refers to a writer’s unique use of language that allows a reader to “hear” a human personality in what is being said.
There are two types of voice:
Writer’s Voice
Character’s Voice

16. Writer’s Voice vs. Character’s Voice
Writer’s Voice: When the author herself has a distinct way of writing that gives the writing a unique human personality.
Example: Lemony Snicket, author of The Series of Unfortunate Events
Character’s Voice: When a character’s speech is distinct (unique) in a way that tells you something about the character.
Example: From “The Treasure of Lemon Brown” by Walter Dean Myers:
“You ain’t one of them bad boys looking for my treasure, is you?” Lemon Brown asked.
What does Lemon Brown’s speech tell us about him?

17. Tone

18. “Boy, watch your tone when speaking to me”
Tone: The writer’s attitude towards the subject of the piece, the audience, and self. Also known as, the way feelings are expressed.
Conveyed through the use of:
Diction (the words that the author uses in his/her writing)
Point of View (the author’s view and how it affects his/her writing)
Syntax (the arrangement of words to create sentences)
And, the author’s level of formality (how formal or informal is the piece?)

19. “Don’t you use that tone of voice with me!”
Has anyone ever said to you, "Don't use that tone of voice with me?" Your tone can change the meaning of what you say.
Tone can turn a statement like, " You're a big help!" into a genuine compliment or a cruel sarcastic remark. It depends on the context of the story.

20. Important Tone Words Accusatory Humorous Sad Serious Playful Sarcastic
Ironic
Matter-of-fact
Pleasant

21. Mood

22. Mood
Mood = feeling or atmosphere that a writer creates for the reader.
Mood = how the reader feels when reading the story.
An author creates a mood with things like:
Descriptive words
Imagery
Figurative Language
Dialogue
Language
Plot
Example: The short story “The Monkey’s Paw” has a mood of gloom, dread, and desperation.

23. Important Mood Words
The following are examples of moods that a text can cause the reader to feel:
Suspense
Lonely
Happy
Angry
Anxious
Tense
Suspicious
Excited
Depressed
Scared
Disgusted

24. BEWARE!! Tone and mood can very easily be confused!
Tone simply refers to how the author feels towards the subject, or towards something. You will know what the author’s tone is implying by the words he uses.
While ‘mood’, refers to the feeling of the atmosphere the author is describing. It is what the author makes you feel when you read his writings. You can read a sentence, and feel sad, happy or angry.