Symbolism/allusion/ irony Our Town

symbolism A symbol is something that represents something else. We know—super helpful, right? Want more clarity? Okay, how about this: a symbol is a word, an image, or anything that somehow represents a larger idea. In other words, what you see is not just what you get. Symbols are more than meets the eye. They're loaded with meaning. Example? In America, eagles are a symbol of freedom. In punk rock, the safety pin is a symbol of rebellion. In western literature, the apple is often a symbol for sin. See how that works?

allusion Let's get down to brass tacks. An allusion is, plain and simple, a reference. You'll find allusions (or shout-outs, as we like to call them) when the book you're reading makes a reference to something outside of itself, whether another work of literature, something from pop culture, a song, myth, history, or even the visual arts.

irony Verbal irony, for example, has to do with the tension between what is said and what is really meant. You've probably used this more than a little in your own life, like when you say, "I'm fine," when really you mean just the opposite. Liar. Situational irony, on the other hand, plays with the difference between expectations and reality. Dramatic irony is when the audience knows something—usually a lot of things—that the characters don't. Remember You've Got Mail? Wake up, Meg Ryan: Tom Hanks is that very same dude you've been chatting it up with online, and he doesn't look like a Clark bar. To be fair, he doesn't look like Clark Gable, either. Sorry, Tom.

Emoticons O:-) X-( ;-) :-) :-P :-o 8-) :’( #

discussion What does the smiley represent? Is the meaning literal or inferred? How is a particular smiley a universal symbol? What are some other examples of universal symbols? What is the difference between universal and cultural symbols? Are there emoticon examples of these? How does the emoticon change in meaning based on the conversation or situation? Can an emoticon be ironic? How? Can an emoticon be an allusion?

assignment Find an example of symbolism, irony, allusion in Our Town. (include page #’s) Find an example of symbolism, irony, allusion in one of the following: Music News Article Movie Book Poem