Strategies for Reading Symbols

1. Strategies for Reading Symbols • Hint #1 • Pay close attention to character’s names • Authors are usually well-read people who may be imbuing a character with extra meaning based on the meaning of or an historical association with a name • http://www.andythenamebender.com/index.html is a good website to check to figure out the meanings of names

2. Jimmy • The meaning of Jimmy • Origin: English, Meaning: Supplant. Replace. Variant of Jacob derived from the Latin Jacomus. • Origin: Hebrew, Meaning: Supplanter.

3. Cross • cross  (krôs, kr s), n. • 1. An upright post with a transverse piece near the top, on which condemned persons were executed in ancient times. • 2. often Cross The upright post with a transverse piece upon which Jesus was crucified. • 3. A crucifix. • 4. Any of various modifications of the cross design, such as a Latin cross or Maltese cross. • 5. A medal, emblem, or insignia in the form of a cross.

4. Cross, continued • 6. The Christian religion; Christianity. • 7. In Christianity, a sign made by tracing the outline of a cross with the right hand upon the forehead and chest as a devotional act. • 8. A trial, affliction, or frustration. See Synonyms at burden. • 9. A mark or pattern formed by the intersection of two lines, especially such a mark (X) used as a signature. • 10. A movement from one place to another, as on a stage; a crossing. • 11. A pipe fitting with four branches in upright and transverse form, used as a junction for intersecting pipes.

5. Cross, continued • 12. Biology. • A plant or animal produced by crossbreeding; a hybrid. • The process of crossbreeding; hybridization. • 13. One that combines the qualities of two other things: a novel that is a cross between romance and satire. • 14. Sports. A hook thrown over an opponent's punch in boxing. • 15. Law. An act or instance of cross-examining; a cross-examination. • 16. The Southern Cross. • 17. Slang. A contest whose outcome has been dishonestly prearranged.

6. Ted • The meaning of Ted • Origin: English, Meaning: Diminutive of Edward: Wealthy guardian. From the Old English name Eadweard, meaning rich or happy, and guardian. Also a diminutive of Edgar: Fortunate and powerful. Also an abbreviation of Theodore. • Origin: Greek,Meaning: God-given. Famous Bearer: 19th century U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt.

7. Lavender • lav·en·der  (l v n-d r), n. • 1. A. Any of various aromatic Old World plants of the genus Lavandula, especially L. angustifolia, having clusters of small purplish flowers that yield an oil used in perfumery. • B. The fragrant dried leaves, stems, and flowers of this plant. • 2. A pale to light purple to very light or very pale violet.

8. Mitchell • The meaning of Mitchell • Origin: English, Meaning: Surname derived from Michael: 'Who is like God?'. In use as a first name since the 19th century. • Origin: Hebrew, Meaning: Gift from God. • Origin: Irish, Meaning: Form of Michael 'Who is like God?'. • Origin: Scottish, Meaning: Form of Michael 'Who is like God?'.

9. Henry • The meaning of Henry • Origin: English, Meaning: 'Rules his household.' Oft-used English and French royal name. The second son of Charles Prince of Wales is named Henry. • Origin: French, Meaning: Rules the home.

10. Martha • The meaning of Martha • Origin: Aramaic, Meaning: Lady. In the Bible, Martha was the sister of Lazarus and Mary of Bethany and known for her obsession with housework. • Origin: Biblical, Meaning: Who becomes bitter; provoking • Origin: Hebrew, Meaning: Bitter.