Symbolism

How can you read this? There are no

pictures.

Not to worry! We have something
Gaston doesnt.
Which will help identify and explain symbolism!!

SO, What is symbolism?

Definition: An object,
character, figure, or color
that is used to represent an
abstract idea or concept.

Concrete: A flag, an eagle, a rose
Abstract: Flag= USA, Eagle= Freedom, Rose=Love
OR

When the author
uses an object to
add deeper meaning
to a story

Sometimes its easy to find.
Sometimesnot so easy.

Thats fabulous and
all, TeacherReally
great, but HOW will
I KNOW its a
symbol?

Repeat appearance

Seem to be connected with a
character or event

Author spends long time on
description
Sometimes you may feel like this

And while that can be true in some
cases You have to remember we
have
And are developing skills.
Analyzing literature, making connections,
Identifying structure and devices, connecting
ideas, and critiquing those texts
(And those curtains were not described enough to
be considered symbolic)
Readers should not take everything in a literary
work as symbolic.


Example:
A plastic bag does not symbolize anything on its
own.
If, however, the bag is described as being gently
blown around by the wind, drifting with no clear
direction, it may symbolize wandering, or
drifting aimlessly.

Examples.
Dumbos
magic
feather
represents
courage and
self-
confidence.
Once he truly
believes in
himself, he no
longer needs
it.
We use a picture of a
skull and crossbones
to symbolize poison
or danger.
We send red roses as
a symbol of love.
A chain can symbolize the coming together
of two things.

The American flag
Real object
Symbol for United States
Represents freedom
Represents a nation as a whole

Symbolism is used to
Provide meaning beyond the obvious:
Emphasize key ideas or themes:


A river can represent the flow
of life
or its depth may represent
the unknown
the water might be purity
or there could be dangers
beneath the surface.
Example: A storm occurring when
there is a conflict or high emotions
Example: Transition from day
to night might = move from
goodness to evil

In literature, symbols are full
of meaning and are used to
develop atmosphere in the
text.

* Example: And dawn may show the end
of conflict, the start of a new day.
Harry Potter (lots of
symbolism)

A snake represents
___________!

It is no coincidence
then that the symbol
of Slytherin House is
a serpent.
Star Wars Lightsabers
Good and Evil is represented by
color; blue being the light side and
red the dark side
Guy Fawkes Mask from V for Vendetta
now used in protests.


Now the salute from District 11 in the Hunger
Games is being used in real life
"It means thanks, it means
admiration, it means good-bye to
someone you love." - Suzanne
Collins, The Hunger Games.

Government will ban foreign TV channels.
Local journalists have been warned not to
criticize the junta, and there are suggestions
that Facebook and Twitter could face
restrictions. Authorities instituted a
nationwide curfew and banned public
gatherings of more than five people after
seizing power