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Symbolism Notes

The document discusses symbolism in literature. It defines a symbol as something that represents an idea beyond its literal meaning. It provides examples of common symbols like the American flag representing the United States. Symbolism is used in literature to provide deeper meaning and often represents themes. Common places for symbols in literature include story titles, character names, places, nature images, and colors.

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553 views3 pages

Symbolism Notes

The document discusses symbolism in literature. It defines a symbol as something that represents an idea beyond its literal meaning. It provides examples of common symbols like the American flag representing the United States. Symbolism is used in literature to provide deeper meaning and often represents themes. Common places for symbols in literature include story titles, character names, places, nature images, and colors.

Uploaded by

sonia
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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~ SYMBOLISM NOTES ~

SYMBOL = is an image, object, character, or action that stands


for an idea (ideas) beyond its literal meaning. A symbol
represents something other than itself. Writers use symbols to
suggest larger meanings.

EXAMPLES:

 The American flag = United States


 A heart = love
 A dove = peace
 A skull and crossbones = poison
 Thunder = danger
 A red octagon = stop

SYMBOLISM = the act of using symbols in a piece of literature.


Symbolism is used to provide meaning to the writing beyond what
is actually being described; it gives the story a deeper meaning.
Symbolism is often used to represent the theme.

WHERE CAN SYMBOLS BE FOUND IN LITERATURE?


A. Story titles
B. Character names
C. Place names
D. Nature images:
1. Thunderstorms used at a critical point in
a story when there is a conflict or high
emotions.
2. A river could represent the flow of life,
from birth to death.
3. Flowers can symbolize youth or beauty.
4. In the Harry Potter books by J.K.
Rowling snakes are used to represent
evil. It is no coincidence that the symbol
of Slytherin House is a serpent.

E. Images or figures that appear at important


points in a story
F. Images that receive special emphasis or are
often repeated
G. Colors
1. Red, white, and blue are symbolic of all
things American.
2. Green has come to represent anything
which is environmentally friendly.
Practice with Symbolism:

1. Look at the American flag below. What do the stars and


stripes symbolize?

2. Colors are rich in symbolism. Red can symbolize danger or


excitement. Blue can symbolize calm or sadness. Because
we are all different, the meaning of a color can vary from
person to person. Consider the colors of the rainbow below
and assign an adjective to each color. You can draw a
rainbow if you would like. 

~Red =
~Orange =
~Yellow =
~Green =
~Blue =
~Purple =

3. Read the lyrics to Lee Ann Womack’s song, I Hope You


Dance. (See attached sheet.) The song is full of symbolism.
Answer the following questions about the song.

A. What is dancing a symbol for?


B. What are the mountains a symbol for?
C. The song states “Whenever one door closes I hope
one more opens.” What does the door symbolize?
D. What is the theme of the song?

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