Guided Notes on Symbolism

Layers of Meaning

What Symbols Stand For

• A symbol is often an ordinary object, event, person, or animal to

which we have attached extraordinary meaning and

significance.

Easier Definition?

A symbol is a concrete, real object that makes

people think of an abstract, non-concrete

idea.

We use a rectangle of dyed cloth to symbolize pride and identity for a country.

• We use a picture of a skull and

crossbones to symbolize poison

or danger.

• We send red roses as a symbol of love.

Where Do Symbols Come From?

● Symbols can be inherited or invented-- symbols can be different within different cultures

● The most familiar symbols have been inherited, meaning, they have been handed down over time

Where Do Symbols Come From?

• For example: no one really knows who first thought of using a lion as a symbol of power, courage and domination

• Once these qualities were associated with the animal, images of lions appeared on flags, banners, coats of arms and castle walls

• The lion became a public symbol that shows up in art and literature, even today!

• Can you think of some examples of how lions are used as a symbol of courage and power?

• People throughout history have endowed ordinary objects with feelings

and ideas far beyond their simple meaning

A crown symbolizes royalty

An olive branch

symbolizes peace or victory

Five linked rings symbolize the Olympics

and unity

• Symbols can also be invented. • What is the symbol for our school?

“Bobcats are excellent hunters, stalking prey with stealth and patience, then capturing their meals with one great leap.”

Symbols in LiteratureSome invented symbols in literature have become so widely known that they often have gained the status of public symbols.

For example, Peter Pan is a symbol for eternal childhood

Why Create Symbols? You may ask why writers don’t just come right out and say

what they mean.• Symbols allow writers to suggest layers and layers of

meaning-possibilities that a simple, literal statement could never convey.

• A symbol is like a pebble cast into a pond: It sends out ever widening ripples of meaning

Simon kicked open the door to the small shop. He looked around in the darkness until he found what he was looking for. Against the far wall, there stood a worn wooden bench with crowbars, pliers, screwdrivers and other implements.

Silently, he used the tools to remove the shackles around his wrists and feet, shackles he had worn for years, shackles that had helped to keep him imprisoned for most of his life. Finally free, he left the shackles on the table and began to leave. Before he reached the door, Simon turned around and stared at the shackles on the table. He strode across the room and picked up a heavy hammer. With all his might, he brought the hammer down again and again on the shackles, until they broke and bent. Still he hammered, until the cruel chains and manacles were disfigured, unrecognizable lumps of iron. His face marked by both fatigue and satisfaction, Simon dropped the hammer and left.

• You may not be able to articulate fully what a certain symbol means, but you will always find that the symbol, if it is powerful and well chosen, will speak forcefully to your emotions and to your imagination.

• You may also find that you will remember and think about the symbol long after you have forgotten other parts.

Examples

What could the following concrete objects represent as abstract ideas or feelings?

Independent PracticeComplete the remainder of

your guided notes to prepare for a class

discussion.