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Symbolism. Meanings beyond the obvious. A symbol is…. an object that stands for itself and a greater idea . We see symbols every day…. PART 1: HOW MANY SYMBOLS CAN YOU ASSOCIATE WITH UNIVERSAL , ABSTRACT IDEAS OR VALUES??
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Symbolism Meanings beyond the obvious
A symbol is… an object that stands for itself and a greater idea. We see symbols every day…
PART 1: HOW MANY SYMBOLS CAN YOU ASSOCIATE WITH UNIVERSAL, ABSTRACT IDEAS OR VALUES?? • HINT: Don’t limit yourselves to objects, think also about shapes and colors or just parts of a picture
In literature, symbolism… • creates a direct, meaningful link between… a specific object, scene, character, or action and abstract ideas, values, persons or ways of life.
Symbolism is be 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.
Draw attention to the plot: A walk into a tunnel – or change from day to night – could show movement from good to evil, or that something bad is coming… A storm at a critical moment can represent the intense emotion and trouble… And dawn may show the end of conflict, the “start of a new day.”
And give insights into characters: In Poe’s “Telltale Heart,” the sound of the beating heart represents the man’s guilt… …a character’s name symbolizessomething about him; in “The Lottery” Mr. Graves has authority over the killing… … and a character’s appearance can be symbolic of his personality. In “The Cask of Amontillado,” Fortunato wears a fool’s costume – and he is, in fact, a fool for trusting the narrator.
How can you spot a symbol? • There’s no one way, but some things to look for are: • Colors or objects that are used __________: if it’s mentioned often, it’s probably important • Unusual character __________ • Objects / creatures that have __________ meanings (lions = strength, owls = wisdom, etc.)
One warning… • Many “symbols” are _________ interpretations – and unintended by the author! Consider this dialogue from Peanuts. Charlie Brown has drawn something, and Lucy is seeing a symbol that __________ : Lucy: “Do you always have the people’s hands behind their back to symbolize your shyness?” Charlie Brown: “No, I just don’t know how to draw hands.” So… don’t go crazy with this stuff! It’s all open to interpretation…
Symbolism Meanings beyond ________________
A symbol is… an object that __________ itself and a __________ We see symbols every day…
PART 1: HOW MANY SYMBOLS CAN YOU ASSOCIATE WITH __________ ______________IDEAS OR VALUES?? • HINT: Don’t limit yourselves to objects, think also about shapes and colors or just parts of a picture
In literature, symbolism… • creates a direct, meaningful _____ between… a __________ object, scene, character, or action and __________ , values, persons or ways of life.
Symbolism is be used to… • Provide meaning beyond the __________ : • Emphasize key ideas or themes: A river can __________ the flow of life… … or its __________ may represent the unknown… … the water might be purity… … or there could be dangers beneath the surface.
Draw attention to the __________ : A walk into a tunnel – or change from day to night – could show movement from good to evil, or that something bad is coming… A storm at a critical moment can __________ the intense emotion and trouble… And dawn may show the end of conflict, the “start of a new day.”
And give insights into characters: In Poe’s “Telltale Heart,” the sound of the beating heart __________ the man’s guilt… …a character’s __________ something about him; in “The Lottery” Mr. Graves has authority over the killing… … and a character’s appearance can be symbolic of his ___________ – In “The Cask of Amontillado,” Fortunato wears a fool’s costume – and he is, in fact, a fool for trusting the narrator.
How can you spot a symbol? • There’s no one way, but some things to look for are: • Colors or objects that are used repeatedly: if it’s mentioned often, it’s probably important • Unusual character names • Objects / creatures that have cultural meanings (lions = strength, owls = wisdom, etc.)
One warning… • Many “symbols” are personal interpretations – and unintended by the author! Consider this dialogue from Peanuts: Lucy: “Do you always have the people’s hands behind their back to symbolize your shyness?” Charlie Brown: “No, I just don’t know how to draw hands.” So… don’t go crazy with this stuff! It’s all open to interpretation…