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    Symbolism

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    This document discusses symbolism in literature and what symbols represent. It defines symbolism as using an object, person, situation or word to represent another idea. Symbols can be universal or personal. Common universal symbols include lions representing strength and roses representing love. Writers use symbolism to suggest deeper meanings and layers beyond literal statements. Symbols allow readers to uncover themes in literature. Authors employ devices like similes and metaphors to describe symbols. While symbols can have shared meanings, they may also be interpreted differently depending on context and experience. The document prompts the creation of a personal symbolic crest.

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    Symbolism

    Uploaded by

    api-458674296
    388 views27 pages
    This document discusses symbolism in literature and what symbols represent. It defines symbolism as using an object, person, situation or word to represent another idea. Symbols can be universal or personal. Common universal symbols include lions representing strength and roses representing love. Writers use symbolism to suggest deeper meanings and layers beyond literal statements. Symbols allow readers to uncover themes in literature. Authors employ devices like similes and metaphors to describe symbols. While symbols can have shared meanings, they may also be interpreted differently depending on context and experience. The document prompts the creation of a personal symbolic crest.

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    This document discusses symbolism in literature and what symbols represent. It defines symbolism as using an object, person, situation or word to represent another idea. Symbols can be universal or personal. Common universal symbols include lions representing strength and roses representing love. Writers use symbolism to suggest deeper meanings and layers beyond literal statements. Symbols allow readers to uncover themes in literature. Authors employ devices like similes and metaphors to describe symbols. While symbols can have shared meanings, they may also be interpreted differently depending on context and experience. The document prompts the creation of a personal symbolic crest.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as ppt, pdf, or txt
    388 views27 pages

    Symbolism

    Uploaded by

    api-458674296
    This document discusses symbolism in literature and what symbols represent. It defines symbolism as using an object, person, situation or word to represent another idea. Symbols can be universal or personal. Common universal symbols include lions representing strength and roses representing love. Writers use symbolism to suggest deeper meanings and layers beyond literal statements. Symbols allow readers to uncover themes in literature. Authors employ devices like similes and metaphors to describe symbols. While symbols can have shared meanings, they may also be interpreted differently depending on context and experience. The document prompts the creation of a personal symbolic crest.

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    You are on page 1of 27

    Symbolism in Literature

    Layers of Meaning
    What Symbolism is:

    The use of an object,


    person, situation, or word
    to represent something
    else (an idea) in
    literature.
     We use a rectangle of dyed cloth to symbolize a country.
     We use a picture  We send red roses
    of a skull and as a symbol of
    crossbones to love.
    symbolize poison
    or danger.
    Where Do Symbols Come From?

     Symbols can be universal or personal.

     The most familiar symbols are universal; meaning that they


    have been handed down over time.
     A personal symbol is a symbol that can apply to specific
    opinions or situations.
    What does the lion represent?
     The lion became a
    universal symbol that
     Lions are fierce, powerful
    shows up in art and
    predators that are seen as
    literature, even today!
    “King of the Jungle”, and are
    symbols of power, strength,
    and domination.

     Once these qualities were


    associated with the animal,
    images of lions appeared on
    flags, banners, coats of arms
    and castle walls.
    People throughout history have endowed ordinary
    objects with meanings far beyond their simple
    meaning:

    A crown symbolizes Five linked


    royalty rings
    symbolize
    the
    A dove
    Olympics
    symbolizes
    peace.
    Invented Symbols
    Writers often take a new object,
    character, or event and make it
    What is the symbol for
    the embodiment of some human
    our school?
    concern.
    Some invented symbols in
    literature have become so widely
    known that they often have
    gained the status of public
    symbols.

    For example:
    Peter Pan is a
    symbol for eternal
    childhood
    Why Create Symbols?
    You may ask why writers don’t just come right out
    and say what they mean.
     Symbols allow writers to suggest layers and layers
    of meaning-possibilities that a simple, literal
    statement could never convey.
     A symbol is like a pebble cast into a pond: It
    sends out ever widening ripples of meaning
     Symbols can also help you uncover the theme of
    the text: The life lesson or takeaway that the
    author is trying to teach the reader.
    Ways to describe or express
    symbols?
    • Symbols can be described and
    addressed in a huge number of unique
    ways.

    • Two of the most common ways that


    authors use symbolism is through the use
    of simile and metaphors.

    • These two devices both involve the


    comparison of objects, but the
    difference between them all comes
    down to just a few words.
    Metaphor
    A figure of speech where
    one object is described
    literally as another.

    • “My mother is an angry bull


    when she hasn’t had her
    coffee.”
    • “All the world’s a stage,
    and we are just the
    actors.”
    • “A hospital bed is a parked
    taxi with the meter
    running.”
    Simile

    Similar to a
    metaphor, a
    simile also
    compares two
    unlike objects,
    but the main
    difference is “My mama always said: ‘life is like a box of
    that a simile chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna
    get.’”
    uses the words “Blind as a bat”
    “like” or “as.”
    Snug as a pug in an ugg on the rug.
    Symbols have multiple
    interpretations.
     Depending on the context, cultural
    meanings, and personal experience,
    symbols may carry different meanings.
     You may not be able to articulate fully what
    a certain symbol means, but you will always
    find that the symbol will speak to your
    emotions and to your imagination.
     You may also find that you will remember
    and think about the symbol long after you
    have forgotten other parts.
    WHAT SYMBOLIZES YOU?
    Create a Symbolic Crest that especially
    pertains to your unique self!

    Your crest must contain, at minimum:


    At least 4 unique objects or symbols that
    relate or represent you in some way. You
    will need to include a written explanation
    for each object.
    At least 3 different colors. Each color will
    require a written explanation as well.
    Your name (don’t get carried away and
    forget this one)

    Crests are to be due on Monday, April 1st

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