Symbolism

• Symbolism is often used by writers to enhance their writing. Symbolism can give a literary work more richness and color and can make the meaning of the work deeper.

• In literature, symbolism can take many forms including:• A figure of speech where an object, person, or situation

has another meaning other than its literal meaning. • The actions of a character, word, action, or event that

have a deeper meaning in the context of the whole story.

Examples

• What does an apple symbolize? Where do we see this symbol in our daily lives and literature?

The BibleApple Inc. ProductsTeacher’s Desk MatildaSnow WhiteThe Giver

Archetypes

• There are many different variations: – Situations: This is when a plot line or situation in a text

follows a specific pattern. We see this in superhero movies, but it originated with the myths.

– Symbolic: Light vs. Dark, Water vs. Desert. • Colors: Green = envy/growth, Red = anger, sacrifice, violent

passion. • Numbers: 6= evil, 3= trinity, 4=mankind/seasons.

– Character: The hero, mentors, the devil figure, the scapegoat, the damsel in distress, the temptress, star-crossed lovers.

What is the denotative definition?

• An original pattern or model on which all things thereafter are based.

• A basic image, character, situation, or symbol that appears so often in literature and legend that it evokes a deep universal response (Kennedy 911).

Archetypical Plot