Symbolism 2

Meanings Meanings beyond the beyond the

obviousobvious

A symbol is…an object that stands for itself

and a greater idea. We see symbols every day…

Symbolism in stories -

When the author uses an object to

add deeper meaning to a

story

• Sometimes easy to find. Sometimes hard.

• Can you think of the deeper meaning of the symbols in “Little Red Riding Hood”

•Symbolism is used to provide more meaning to the writing beyond what is actually being written.

The Ugly Duckling

Symbolism in Literature

• Objects are often used to symbolize something else:

• ･ A chain can symbolize the coming together of two things.

Objects as symbols

• The American flag– Real object– Symbol for United

States– Represents

freedom– Represents a

nation as a whole

Symbolism is 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.

• Example: A storm occurring when there is a conflict or high emotions

• Example: Transition from day to night might = move from goodness to evil

In literature, symbols are full of meaning and are used to develop atmosphere in the text.

* Example: And dawn may show the end of conflict, the “start of a new day.”

How can you spot a symbol?

• There’s no one way, but some things to look for are:

– Colors or objects(sword = war)

– Unusual character names – “Rumblebuffin” – (giant in Chronicles of Narnia)

– Objects / creatures that have cultural meanings (lions = strength, owls = wisdom, etc.)

Examples from literature

Star Wars – Lightsabers•Good and Evil is

represented by color; blue being the light side and red the dark side

Examples from Literature

Harry Potter by JK RowlingView the “Sorting Hat” sceneRecord anything that might be

symbols in this scene.

Gryffindor

• Gryffindor is one of the four Houses of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, founded by Godric Gryffindor. Its emblematic animal is the lion, and its colors are red and gold. The particular characteristics of students Sorted into Gryffindor are courage, chivalry and determination. 

• Gryffindor corresponds roughly to the element of fire, and it is for that reason that the colors red and gold were chosen to represent the House.

Slytherin

• Slytherin is one of the four Houses at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and is traditionally home to students who exhibit such traits as cunning, resourcefulness, and ambition. Its emblematic animal is the snake and its colours are green and silver. Founded by Salazar Slytherin, the house is composed mostly of pure-blood students, due to its founder's mistrust of Muggle-born witches and wizards. Slytherin house has a negative reputation, with many claiming that it is the source of most Dark Wizards in Britain, notably Tom Marvolo Riddle, who later became Lord Voldemort, as well as a large majority of his Death Eaters. It has a traditional rivalry with Gryffindor.

• Slytherin corresponds roughly with the element of water.

Examples from literature

Harry Potter (lots of symbolism)

•A snake can represent vengefulness and vindictiveness

•A lion can represent courage and leadership and strength

•Can you describe how these character traits are used in the books/movies?

Stephanie Meyer series titles

Twilight-(The Time After The Sun Sets) Bella Enters “The Night” (Edward) Moving from goodness to evilSunset – nearing the end Night – death _________________________________________

New Moon-(The Darkest Part Of A Lunar Cycle) Bella's Moon (Edward) Disappears From The Night. Moon – immortality or eternity_________________________________________

Eclipse-(When The Moon Crosses Over The Sun) Bella Chooses The Moon (Edward) Over The Sun (Jacob) Sun – warmth, intelligence, or knowledge________________________________________

Breaking Dawn-(The Beginning Of A New Day) Bella Enters Another Life. Dawn=Sunrise – new beginning

More examples in literature:

•Chronicles of Narnia*Aslan -means Lion in Turkish - good,

strong, courageous leader; restores Narnia back to it’s original creation; often thought of as Jesus Christ

*White Witch - evil; tries to keep Narnia under her control; often thought of as

Satan

Even more examples in literature

•Lord of the Rings–Ring represents the power of good and evil

And more examples in literature

•Hatchet –The hatchet represents the object of survival

So, the next time you read a novel, watch out for what’s not written in

the words.

What might these symbols represent?War______________________________

Money____________________________Cunning___________________________Opportunity or hope ________________Freedom ________________________

Christianity ________________________ Poison or warning____________________Wisdom___________________________Old age __________________________

Coming together____________________Survival___________________________

Vengefulness and vindictiveness________Moving from goodness to evil__________Conflict or high emotions______________

Flow of life_______________________

Classwork/Homework: Finish Symbolism 2

pp. 3 and 4