Introduction:
“Who cares what the color means? How do you know what he meant to say? I mean, did he leave another book called "Symbolism in My Books?" If he didn't, then you could just be making all of this up. Does anyone really think this guy sat down and stuck all kinds of hidden meanings into his story? It's just a story.... But I think you are making all of this symbolism stuff up. I don't believe any of it.”
- Laurie Halse Anderson, Speak
In the quote above, Melinda is wondering whether her English teacher is making up all this stuff on symbolism in the book she is reading in her class. Grab the worksheet for this activity on the front table. At the top there is a space to respond to this quote from Young Adult author Laurie Halse Anderson. In the response, I would like for you to agree or disagree with Melinda's position and explain why.
- Laurie Halse Anderson, Speak
In the quote above, Melinda is wondering whether her English teacher is making up all this stuff on symbolism in the book she is reading in her class. Grab the worksheet for this activity on the front table. At the top there is a space to respond to this quote from Young Adult author Laurie Halse Anderson. In the response, I would like for you to agree or disagree with Melinda's position and explain why.
What is Symbolism?
Symbolism is the art of using an object in a piece of writing that represents more than itself. I like to think of it as a two-part definition: you have the concrete object and the abstract idea it represents. An object can be a person, a color, an item, a place, or an action.
CONCRETE OBJECT = ABSTRACT IDEA
One question you may have is how is symbolism different than a metaphor? First, metaphors usually connect two concrete objects together. Second, symbols are often used throughout a narrative while metaphors usually only are used once or twice in a narrative. Third, metaphors are explicit (spelled out), while symbols are implied (not spelled out).
On your worksheet, please summarize and describe the meaning of symbolism.
One question you may have is how is symbolism different than a metaphor? First, metaphors usually connect two concrete objects together. Second, symbols are often used throughout a narrative while metaphors usually only are used once or twice in a narrative. Third, metaphors are explicit (spelled out), while symbols are implied (not spelled out).
On your worksheet, please summarize and describe the meaning of symbolism.
What are Some Common Types of Symbols?
Symbols can be found in a lot of places in our everyday lives if we know where to look. For example, companies and sports teams pick logos that have symbolic meaning. These groups want to pick a symbol that has characteristics and qualities that they want to emulate. A football team wants to show that they are fierce, strong, and predatory. So, we have teams like the Detroit Lions, Chicago Bears, and Jacksonville Jaguars. Companies want to show that they are smart, majestic, or good. So, we have companies like financial planner Merrill Lynch's bull, operating system's Android's robot, and car manufacturer Dodge's ram.
Symbols are also an important part of religion, as you may remember from our comparative religion studies that we studied
Also, symbols can be found in films, T.V. shows, and writing. Authors and poets insert symbols to help readers gain a better understanding of a character, emotion, or narrative. When an author wants to hint at a certain emotion or idea, he can use a symbol to get his point across rather than just blatantly saying it outright. There are some very common symbols out there that writers use that you probably know already. Let's look at an example from a picture book. Watch the video clip linked just below of a reading of The Wretched Stone by Chris Van Allsburg.
Symbols are also an important part of religion, as you may remember from our comparative religion studies that we studied
Also, symbols can be found in films, T.V. shows, and writing. Authors and poets insert symbols to help readers gain a better understanding of a character, emotion, or narrative. When an author wants to hint at a certain emotion or idea, he can use a symbol to get his point across rather than just blatantly saying it outright. There are some very common symbols out there that writers use that you probably know already. Let's look at an example from a picture book. Watch the video clip linked just below of a reading of The Wretched Stone by Chris Van Allsburg.
Looking back at what you saw, you can see that there are two levels to the story. First, you have the concrete level of a stone that turns people into monkeys. On the second level, the level of symbolism, we have the fact that the stone symbolizes technology and how it affects those you become addicted to it (their intelligence goes down).
Below is a chart with some common symbols. I would like you to write down on the worksheet what you believe each of the symbols below represent. Try it on your own first. If you can't get a few, ask a fellow student for help. If you still can't get it, try researching it online. Once they are all filled out, see Mr. Shircel to make sure they are all correct. He will initial the chart.
Below is a chart with some common symbols. I would like you to write down on the worksheet what you believe each of the symbols below represent. Try it on your own first. If you can't get a few, ask a fellow student for help. If you still can't get it, try researching it online. Once they are all filled out, see Mr. Shircel to make sure they are all correct. He will initial the chart.
Can Anything be a Symbol and How do I Identify One?Those are some great questions, and I am glad you asked them. The truth is that anything can take on a symbolic meaning, if the writer intends it to be that way. That leads to our second question. When reading poetry, reading a book, or looking at a film it can be difficult to identify symbols. However, if we take a closer look, the symbols will start appearing. Always look for repetition in the text, poem, or film. Repetition means that some sort of importance is being attached to what is repeated, whether that be a color, object, person, or action. Another place to look is in titles of pieces and names of characters.
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In The Pearl we can keep our eyes open for symbolism and can begin right away with the title. The book is called The Pearl. One can surmise that the pearl may hold some greater meaning beyond its literal one.
Activity:
By now, you should be able to define symbolism and provide examples of common symbols in literature and the everyday world.
First, I would like you to revisit the quote from the beginning. I want you to pretend you are in Melinda's English class and she said the quote to you. As an expert in symbolism, I want you to write a response explaining symbolism and how an author creates it in a piece of writing.
Second, on the back of the worksheet is an activity. I would like you to use symbols to create a family crest. A family crest is a picture that represents your family. Choose, draw, and color at least four object that symbolize abstract characteristics about yourself and your family. Then, below the drawing, explain the choices you made and what they symbolize.
First, I would like you to revisit the quote from the beginning. I want you to pretend you are in Melinda's English class and she said the quote to you. As an expert in symbolism, I want you to write a response explaining symbolism and how an author creates it in a piece of writing.
Second, on the back of the worksheet is an activity. I would like you to use symbols to create a family crest. A family crest is a picture that represents your family. Choose, draw, and color at least four object that symbolize abstract characteristics about yourself and your family. Then, below the drawing, explain the choices you made and what they symbolize.