TENTH GRADE

Symbolism

Module 3 Lesson 3

What Is Symbolism in Literature?
Symbolism is when the author uses an object or reference to add deeper meaning to a story. Symbolism in literature can be subtle or obvious, used sparingly or heavy-handedly. An author may repeatedly use the same object to convey deeper meaning or may use variations of the same object to create an overarching mood or feeling. Symbolism is often used to support a literary theme in a subtle manner.

What Are Some Examples of Symbolism?

The following are common symbols used in literary works:

• Symbols referring to damnation: Fire, flames, heat, hot temperatures

• Symbols referring to salvation: Crosses, angels, haloes, clouds, churches

• Symbols referring to reincarnation or reinvention: Phoenix rising from flames, crosses, rainbows, passing storms, dawn, sunrise, broken chains

• Symbols referring to death or endings: Gravestones, cemeteries, Grim Reaper, Day of the Dead, skulls, candle blowing out, coffin, ringing of bell.

What Are Common Cultural Symbols?
When looking for cultural symbols in literature, you'll want to think of what symbols represent moral standards, beliefs or patriotic themes for a culture or country. Here are some cultural symbols you might see:

• American cultural symbols: Red, white and blue colors; Bald Eagle; coin with "In God We Trust"

• Indian cultural symbols: yogi, banyan tree, image of Indian god or goddess  

• Chinese cultural symbols: Bamboo tree, bonsai tree, yin/yang symbol

Sometimes cultural symbols are more specific to a particular cultural group. A Mohawk haircut or an anarchy symbol indicates a punk rocker. Medals and swords symbolize a member of the military. Nets and ropes can symbolize a fisherman or sea captain.

How Do Writers Use Symbolism?

Writers insert symbols into their writing to allude to a feeling, mood or attitude without directly stating the perspective or mood intended. Symbolism is supplemental to the story.

Symbolism

Practicing exercise

I. Imagine you were burying a time capsule that may only be found in thousands of years’ time. The people who find it may not understand English and you are going to have to use signs or symbols to represent yourself.

• Design your own personal shield showing the person you are.

1. Draw a shield.

2. Split the shield into quarters.

3. Top left – draw a symbol to show your nature.

E.g.: Heart = loving

4. Top right – draw a symbol to show what you enjoy.

E.g.: TV = love watching television

Hamburger = you love food

5. Bottom left – symbolic representation of what you want to be in the future.

E.g.: Computer = computer expert

Tiny stick people = mom or dad

6. Bottom right – symbolic representation of your home or country.

E.g.: London Eye = London

Dragon = Wales

Tips:

Throughout history, certain things have been given symbolic meaning. The same is true of literature, which often relies on symbolism to convey important thematic concerns.

Some examples:

• An Oak tree

- often a symbol of strength and endurance.

• A Crown

- signifies authority and leadership.

•  A Dove with an olive branch

- sign of peace (this originated way back in the Old Testament with the story of Noah).

Symbolism

Practicing exercise-Answer key

Answers will vary.

Symbolism

Quiz

Symbolism

Quiz-Answer key

Symbolism

Test

American Symbols
By Phyllis Naegeli                           

¹     America is
the land of the free
with many symbols
of our liberty
²     the flag with her stripes
bright red, white and blue
mean courage, honor,
and justice for you
³     stars from the heavens
stripes--rays from the sun
our flag waves all over
this great land of one
⁴     the eagle so grand
flies high in the sky
a symbol of strength
and courage its cry
⁵     in seventy-six
the liberty bell
rang on through the air
our freedom to tell
⁶     our great Uncle Sam
cries out "I want you"
to stand for freedom
in red, white, and blue
⁷     Miss Liberty stands
in New York so tall
a symbol of welcome
to all who will call
⁸     the pledge to our flag
America our song
proclaim through the land
a country so strong
⁹     Star Spangled Banner
the song that we love
national anthem
to the flag above
¹⁰     And then there's the rose
so graceful and pure
a lovely bloom to
a land that endures
¹¹     they stand for the freedom
fought hard for by all
who believed that they
had served the great call
¹²     to form a new nation
a united land
to go on through time
a country so grand

 

1.      What do the stripes on the flag represent?

a.      Nothing, they just looked nice

b.      The sun's rays

c.      Unity

d.      The roads in our country

2.   What do the colors red, white, and blue mean?

a.      Courage

b.      Honor

c.      Justice

d.      All of the above

e.      None of the above

3.   Which of the following qualities does the eagle represent?

a.      Strength

b.      Honor

c.      Justice

d.      All of the above

e.      None of the above

4.    What phrase is Uncle Sam famous for?
a. I need you
b. I want you
c. I love America
d. I like you

5.  Where is the Statue of Liberty found?
6.  What is the title of our national anthem?

7.  The Liberty Bell rang to proclaim our freedom in 1876.
  False
  True

8.   Our national flower is the rose.
  False
  True

 Symbolism

Test-Answer key