Symbolism

Symbolism• a person, place or object which has a

meaning in itself but suggests other meanings as well

• things, characters and actions can be symbols

• some symbols mean the same thing to all readers.

Symbolism ……to most people

• bright sunshine symbolizes goodness• water is a symbolic cleanser• a rainbow symbolizes good luck

Symbolism……what it is NOT!

• It does NOT have anything

to do with cymbals.

• Seriously, let’s look at some real

examples of symbolism!

Symbolism• an object, person, place, or action• stands for something larger than

itself• idea, belief, value

What does a rose

symbolize to you?

Cross?

Spring?

Mickey D’s?

Open road?

Flag? What are some other symbols of the U.S. and what do they mean?

???

Wedding rings?

SymbolismAs you read literature think

about what items are being used over and over again. Look for a hidden meaning to these items.

Read the following excerpt and determine what symbol is used. Look at the diction of the piece and determine the mood using connotation clues to help you.

The most prominent object was a long table with a tablecloth spread on it. . . . A centerpiece of some kind was in the middle of this cloth; it was so heavily overhung with cobwebs that its form was quite undistinguishable; . . . I saw speckled-legged spiders with blotchy bodies running home to it, and running out from it. . . .

“What do you think that is?” she asked me, again pointing with her stick; “that, where those cobwebs are?” . . .

She responds “It’s a great cake. A bride-cake. Mine!” from Great Expectations by Charles Dickens