Symbolism:

Symbolism allows people to communicate beyond the limits of language.

Humans use symbolism all the time. Words themselves are mere symbols for something else.

A symbol is often a person, place, or ordinary object that stands for something beyond itself. For some reason, we have attached extraordinary meaning and significance to it.

National, religious, and cultural symbols have standard interpretations as well as a personal significance for each individual.

For example:

The American flag symbolizes the United States of America.

The personal significance of the American flag, however, varies.

For example:

A U.S. army veteran cherishes its meaning.

A terrorist, on the other hand, finds it despicable.

In Canada, a blue piece of paper with Sir Wilfrid Laurier’s picture on it symbolizes five dollars.

A billionaire considers it chump change. A homeless person living on the streets considers it an elusive treasure.

Choose one of the symbols below. On your white board, write the standard interpretation of the symbol.

Now write your personal interpretation of the symbol AND a possible opposing interpretation from someone else’s point of view.

A literary symbol gains its meaning from the contextof a literary work and often changes as the work develops.

A scar on a child’s forehead could be symbolic in one novel, but mean nothing in another.

How do I find symbols?

Strategy:

• Look for references to concrete objects and analyze whether they have a standard interpretation or apersonal significance to a character. Pay special attention to objects named in the title.

How do I find symbols?

Strategy:

• Pay special attention to objects or places accompanied by a lengthy description, repetition, or special placement in the plot.

In your groups, make a list of possible symbols in Night by Elie Wiesel.

• Repeated appearance

• Seems to be connected with a character or event

• Author gives an extended description

To Review:

• A symbol is often a person, place, or ordinary object that stands for something beyond itself.

• A symbol can have a standard interpretation and/or a personal significance.

• Symbols often make repeated appearances, have lengthy descriptions, and/or seem to be connectedwith a character or events.