Warm Up Turn each list of words into a noun phrase and use it in a sentence. 1.table, the, wooden, small 2.book, those, moldy, in the basement 3.cotton, white, t-shirts, the, other, all Compare answers with a partner. What did you discover about the noun phrases?
In my absence… 3 types of irony Annotating a text Read “The Gift of the Magi” ; collected wksht –Practiced identifying irony, annotations, plot structure, responding to a text POV, Time, and Setting Notes Started to read and annotate “The Scarlet Ibis”
Questions? “The Gift of the Magi” Verb Types Annotating a Text POV, Time, Setting Notes
“Scarlet Ibis” by James Hurst Finish reading “Scarlet Ibis” ~ 20 min. Complete worksheet ~ 30 min.
Discussion Questions for “Scarlet Ibis” Why is the narrator’s pride in Doodle both wonderful and terrible? Why is Doodle most affected and saddened by the ibis’s death? How does appearance of the scarlet ibis hint at the outcome of the story? Do you think the narrator is to blame for Doodle’s death? Why or why not?
Symbolism Meanings beyond the obvious
A symbol is… an object, person, an animal, or an event that stands for itself and a greater idea. We see symbols every day…
Symbolism in stories - When the author uses an object to add deeper meaning to a story - Emphasize key ideas or themes Sometimes easy to find. Sometimes hard.
Example: A storm occurring when there is a conflict or high emotions Example: Transition from day to night might = move from goodness to evil In literature, symbols are full of meaning and are used to develop atmosphere in the text. * Example: And dawn may show the end of conflict, the “start of a new day.”
Types of Symbols Public Invented Allegory
Public Symbols A symbol that has become widely recognized The American flag –Real object –Symbol for United States –Represents freedom –Represents a nation as a whole
Invented Symbols Symbol invented by a writer Stands for something abstract Meaning must be interpreted
Examples from literature Harry Potter (lots of symbolism) A snake represents ___________! It is no coincidence then that the symbol of Slytherin House is a serpent.
Examples from literature Star Wars – Lightsabers Good and Evil is represented by color; blue being the light side and red the dark side
More examples in literature: Chronicles of Narnia *Aslan - good; restores Narnia back to it’s original creation *White Witch - evil; – tries to keep Narnia under her control
Even more examples in literature Lord of the Rings –Ring represents the power of good and evil
Allegory A story in which characters and setting stand for something beyond themselves. Usually virtues (qualities) and vices (associations) –Sometimes the character in an allegory are given names that indicate what they stand for. For example, a woman who stands for goodness may be named Mrs. Kind.
How can you spot a symbol? There’s no one way, but some things to look for are: –Colors or objects –Unusual character names – “Rumblebuffin” (giant in Chronicles of Narnia) –Objects / creatures that have cultural meanings (lions = strength, owls = wisdom, etc.)
Interpretation of Symbols Symbols are often visual Appears several times in a text Type of figurative language –Identified with something that is very different but that shares some of the same qualities Think: Does this character, object, or event stand for something?
Symbolism Around the Room Take out a sheet of notebook paper Count off by 8’s Go to your assigned station Look at the image and come up with a list of meanings for this symbol Once time is up, go clockwise to the new symbol
Symbolism in “The Scarlet Ibis” James Hurst “paints” his story RED; find 3 more text examples ExamplePage Number, Column “A grindstone stands where the bleeding tree stood” Page 484, column 2
Closing Discussion What is the color red usually associated? Why does Hurst use this color? How does Doodle appears to be like the scarlet ibis at the end of the story (beyond physical)? Why does Hurst choose the scarlet ibis as the symbol as opposed to another bird?
Short Fiction Writing Assignment