Symbolism

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Symbolism
What Is a Symbol? Where Do We Get Symbols? What
are some prevelant symbols in Literature
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What Is a Symbol?
A symbol is an ordinary object, event, person, or
animal to which we have attached a special
meaning.
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Where Do We Get Symbols?

• Public symbols
• have been inherited, or handed down over time

• are widely known

• show up in art and literature

Note
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Where Do We Get Symbols?
What does each of these symbols stand for? Why do
you think they have taken on the meanings they
have?
justice
luck
love
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Where Do We Get Symbols?

• Invented symbols
• come about when writers make a character, object,
  or event stand for some human concern

• sometimes become well known and gain the status
  of public symbol

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Symbols in Literature

• Writers use symbols to
• suggest layers of meaning that a simple, literal
  statement could never convey

• speak more powerfully to the readers emotions
  and imagination

• make their stories rich and memorable

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Symbols in Literature
Quick Check
What might the cake symbolize in this passage?
The most prominent object was a long table with a
tablecloth spread on it. . . . An épergne or
centrepiece of some kind was in the middle of
this cloth it was so heavily overhung with
cobwebs that its form was quite
undistinguishable . . . I saw speckled-legged
spiders with blotchy bodies running home to it,
and running out from it. . . . What do you
think that is? she asked me, again pointing with
her stick that, where those cobwebs are? . .
. Its a great cake. A bride-cake. Mine! from
Great Expectations by Charles Dickens
What is your emotional response to the
description of the cake?
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Symbols in Literature
Quick Check
What might the cake symbolize in this passage?
The most prominent object was a long table with a
tablecloth spread on it. . . . An épergne or
centrepiece of some kind was in the middle of
this cloth it was so heavily overhung with
cobwebs that its form was quite
undistinguishable . . . I saw speckled-legged
spiders with blotchy bodies running home to it,
and running out from it. . . . What do you
think that is? she asked me, again pointing with
her stick that, where those cobwebs are? . .
. Its a great cake. A bride-cake. Mine! from
Great Expectations by Charles Dickens
lost love, disappointment, holding on to the past
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Symbols in Literature
Quick Check
What is your emotional response to the
description of the cake?
The most prominent object was a long table with a
tablecloth spread on it. . . . An épergne or
centrepiece of some kind was in the middle of
this cloth it was so heavily overhung with
cobwebs that its form was quite
undistinguishable . . . I saw speckled-legged
spiders with blotchy bodies running home to it,
and running out from it. . . . What do you
think that is? she asked me, again pointing with
her stick that, where those cobwebs are? . .
. Its a great cake. A bride-cake. Mine! from
Great Expectations by Charles Dickens
It gives me the creeps. It makes me feel sorry
for the woman.
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Practice
A. Think about the great number of symbols were
surrounded by in everyday life. For starters,
identify what the items below stand for. Then,
see if you can explain the basis for the
symbolwhy is this symbol appropriate for what it
stands for?

• A snake
• An eagle
• Spring

• An owl
• A white flag

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Practice
B. Here is a brief poem that works on two levels
a literal level and a symbolic level. A fen is a
swampy place. What does the fen symbolize in this
poem?
I May, I Might, I Must If you will tell me why
the fen appears impassable, I then will tell you
why I think that I can get across it if I
try. Marianne Moore
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Journal Entry

• Define symbolism
• Locate a passage that illustrates the authors
  use of symbolism
• Comment on how the author effectively uses
  symbolism in this context
• Explain how having an understanding of symbolism
  makes you a better reader
• Provide a visual that shows tour understanding of
  symbolism in the context of your chosen novel

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The End
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Where Do We Get Symbols?
Note Different cultures may attach different
meanings to some symbols.

• For example, the symbolic meanings of colors are
  not universal.

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Allegory

• Literal meaning
• the story that takes place on the surface

• uses interesting characters and plot to hold the
  readers attention

Symbolic, or allegorical, meaning

• the story that takes place beneath the surface

• uses characters and events to represent ideas
  such as love, freedom, evil, or goodness