Symbols

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Symbols

• Signs of Something More

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What do these shapes mean?
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What Is a Symbol?

• A symbol is a person, place, thing, or event that
  stands both for itself and for something beyond
  itself.

• The use of symbols in literature is called
  symbolism.

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Why Do Writers Use Symbols?

• Writers may use symbols to
• suggest layers of meaning to their work
• emphasize the storys theme
• allow readers to form their own interpretations
• speak forcefully to readers emotions and
  imaginations

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Identifying Symbols

• To identify symbols, keep in mind that
• symbols are often visual.
• Look for things that seem out of place.

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Identifying Symbols

• To identify symbols, keep in mind that

• symbols are often given great emphasis in a story.

• Look for events, objects, or settings to which
  the writer has given a great deal of emphasis.
• Look for objects, people, or words that reappear
  throughout the story.

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Identifying Symbols
To identify symbols, keep in mind that

• symbols are a form of figurative language.

• A symbol is something that is identified with
  something else that is very different.
• Ask yourself Does this item also stand for
  something that is essentially different from
  itself?

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Identifying Symbols
To identify symbols, keep in mind that

• symbols usually have something to do with a
  storys theme.

• Ask yourself How does this item relate to the
  storys overall message?

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A Word to the Wise

• Dont look for symbols in everything you read.
• Not all writers use symbolism.
• Not all symbols are universal.

• Is the wolf
• A symbol of nature and beauty?
• A symbol of death and danger?
• Just a wolf?

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What Have You Learned?
Are the following statements true or false?
______ Symbols are not always universal. ______
A symbol represents more than itself. ______ All
writers use symbols. ______ Symbols sometimes
connect to a storys theme.
True
True
False
True
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The End