LearningModule

4

Writing About

Symbolism

Learning

• Recognize how symbols enhance meaning

• Develop thesis statement

• Explain and interpret symbols in an essay using an introduction with thesis, supporting paragraphs, and conclusion

Recognizing Symbols in Chopin’s A Story of an Hour

Springtime means new life:She could see in the open square

before her house the tops of trees that are all aquiver with the new spring life. The delicious breath of rain was in the air…The notes of a distant song which some one was singing reached her faintly, and countless sparrows were twittering in the eaves (Chopin, para. Five).

Patches of blue sky through the clouds represent new life:

There were patches of blue sky showing here and there through the clouds that had met and piled above the other in the west facing her window (Chopin, para. Six).

Developing Thesis Statement• First Step: Ask Questions

1. Why is Mrs. Mallard happy about her husband’s death?

2. Does the timeframe the story was written in play a role in interpretation?

3. Are there any historical implications to consider?

4. Is there any textual evidence to support the historical implications?

Developing Thesis Statement Cont’d

• Second Step: Answer Questions

1. Mrs. Mallard feels free because she was an oppressed wife.

2. The story was written during the 19th century; women’s rights must be considered.

3. During the 19th century women were expected to stay at home and take care of the children. Women still did not have the right to vote. Women were largely oppressed.

4. Mrs. Mallard whispers “free.” A “monstrous joy” holds her. She drinks in the “very elixir of life” through the open window.

Developing Thesis Statement Cont’d

• Third Step: Write Down Controlling Idea

The elements of symbolism in Chopin’s A Story of an Hour suggests that Mrs. Mallard was an oppressed wife in a male-dominated society.

Writing

• First sentence should have a “Wow” factor and grab reader’s attention – interesting quote, question, or anecdote can be used

• Author’s name, genre of literary piece, and title of piece should be mentioned

• Introduction should include background information leading up to the thesis

• Thesis is usually last sentence of introduction

Body Writing

• Each paragraph should start with a topic sentence• Topic sentence should relate to thesis• Example: The symbol of springtime represents Mrs.

Mallard’s new life• Four or five supporting sentences explain and illustrate

the topic sentence• Use textual quotes, examples, and illustrations• Example: The reader immediately feels that Mrs. Mallard

isn’t sad about her death when she whispers ‘Free…body and soul free!’

• End paragraph with concluding sentence• Repeat process for remaining body paragraphs

Using TransitionsTransitions should be used to impel the reader through the essay

Examples of transitions:To Add:

and, again, and then, besides, equally important, finally, further, furthermore

To Compare:whereas, but, yet, on the other hand, however, nevertheless, on the contrary, by comparison, where, compared to

To Prove:because, for, since, for the same reason, obviously, evidently, furthermore, moreover, besides, indeed, in fact, in addition, in any case, that is

To Show Exception:yet, still, however, nevertheless, in spite of, despite, of course, once in a while, sometimes (Purdue Online Writing Lab, 2008)

Conclusion Writing

Summarizes main idea, argument or findings

Renders a clear answer or points out what the evidence suggests.

Repeats the key information and arguments

New information can not be introduced here

Kinds of Conclusions

Restating of thesis statement with a closing thought

Question to ponderCall to actionQuotation Predict the futureExpand the logic one step furtherPersonal reflection

You Did It!!

Great Job on Making it Through

Writing About Symbolism

References

• Chopin, K. (2008). A Story of an Hour. Retrieved March 30, 2008, from http://www.vcu.edu/engweb/webtexts/hour/storyofhour.html

• Transitional Devices. (2008). Purdue University Online Writing Lab. Retrieved March 30, 2008, from http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/574/02/

• Writing Videos. (2008). Tools For Writers. Retrieved March 30, 2008, from http://waw.taa.usf.edu/sites/waw/Lists/Video/AllItems.aspx