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Symbolism and Allegory. “The Persistence of Time”. Public Symbols. Public symbols are symbols that we know and recognize at once. They are ingrained in our culture. Examples: Wedding ring = Six pointed star = Cross = Red octagon = . Symbols in literature.
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Symbolism and Allegory “The Persistence of Time”
Public Symbols • Public symbols are symbols that we know and recognize at once. They are ingrained in our culture. • Examples: Wedding ring = Six pointed star = Cross = Red octagon =
Symbols in literature • Literary symbol - an object, setting, event, animal, or even a person that functions in the story the way you would expect it to but also stands for something more than itself. • Usually stands for something abstract. Examples: love, hate, jealousy, dependence • Example: LITERALLY, Equality invents the light box on his own, refuses to give it up, and escapes with it into the uncharted forest. It comes to SYMBOLIZE : __________________________.
Associations • Symbols work by association. • Association is making a connection between two or more concepts • Example: We associate spring with new flower buds and, therefore, with new life and hope. • Example: We associate winter with deterioration and, therefore, with death.
More associations We often associate…. • Gardens with joy • Wastelands with despair • Winter with death • Spring with fertility and awakening • Doves with peace • Ravens with death
Symbolsare not equations • As we read, we come to associate objects, characters, or settings with other qualities, but they are notequations. • A literary symbol does not necessarily have just ONE meaning just as a story may have more than one theme • Example: Equality’s light box may be interpreted as symbolizing individualism, independence, human reason, the rationality of the human mind, etc. • When interpreting a symbol, we must be able to justify our claim with textual evidence.
Symbols involve reading between the lines • Symbolsare… A) suggested by the author B) interpreted by the reader • Example: Anthem can be read on a literal level as an adventure story; however, Rand intended readers to ponder the symbolism of objects and settings (the light box, the uncharted forest, Equality’s new home, etc.) to form a deeper meaning. • Symbols add depth and intrigue to the literature – give the reader something to ponder.
Context • The context of a symbol can change its meaning. • In one story, a chain may symbolize unity. In another, it may symbolize imprisonment. It depends on when, where, and how it is used in the story.
Not every story is rich with symbols • Avoid attaching symbolism where it is not there. • Look for objects, characters, or settings that reappear throughout the story and is identified with something other than itself.
Allegory • a story, poem, or picture that uses symbols to reveal a hidden meaning. • Contains both a literal and symbolic meaning • Types: • Fables- animals symbolize vices and virtues in order to teach a practical lessons about how to succeed in life. • Parables- (in the Bible) are used to teach a lesson about ethics or morality.