WRITE NOW #2
Would you rather be stranded on an island alone for 3 years (with food) or stranded with a group of people and struggle for survival? Explain your answer.
Housekeeping
1. Collect Gifted Hands books & distribute composition books.
2. FCATE Menu (70% or below eligibility) Recycle sign-up.
3. If you need another FCAT packet, it is your responsibility to get at the end of class.
4. Update planners: Reading schedule: finished with Ch. 8 by 4/29 (B) and 4/30 (A).
Symbolism in Literature
• Symbolism is the practice or art of using an object or a word to represent an abstract idea. An action, person, place, word, or object can all have a symbolic meaning. When an author wants to suggest a certain mood or emotion, he can also use symbolism to hint at it, rather than just blatantly saying it.
• 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.”
Examples from literature
Harry Potter (lots of symbolism)
• A snake represents ___________!
• It is no coincidence then that the symbol of Slytherin House is a serpent.
Examples from literature
Star Wars – Lightsabers• Good and Evil is
represented by color; blue being the light side and red the dark side
How can you spot a symbol?• There’s no one way, but some things to
look for are:
– Colors or objects
– Unusual character names – “Rumblebuffin” – (giant in Chronicles of Narnia)
– Objects / creatures that have cultural meanings (lions = strength, owls = wisdom, etc.)
More examples in literature:
• Chronicles of Narnia*Aslan - good; restores
Narnia back to it’s original creation
*White Witch - evil; – tries to keep Narnia under her control