What you see is not always what you get… Sometimes you get more! Symbolism What you see is not always what you get… Sometimes you get more!
You see symbols every day
An idea can be represented by a symbol
Symbols in poetry take things to a whole new level
Lincoln? He was a mystery in smoke and flags In poetry poets symbols are more figurative language and represent a deeper meaning. . Carl Sandburg, the author, is not saying that literally Lincoln is a mystery and he’s not talking literally about smoke and flags….. Could they represent a great meaning?
What can a flag symbolize? A country What that country stand for American flag? "The colors of the pales (the vertical stripes) are those used in the flag of the United States of America; White signifies purity and innocence, Red, hardiness & valor, and Blue, the color of the Chief (the broad band above the stripes) signifies vigilance, perseverance & justice.“ But the poem says FLAGS? North and South?
What can smoke symbolize? Google has nothing? Think about it: Something that can be difficult to see thru. Smoke comes before fire It can choke you
So what could this possibly mean? Lincoln? He was a mystery in smoke and flags He stood for America but wasn’t that clear? He was a mystery like trying to see what American stand for through all the smoke? He was a warning before fire would consume the country? He was a mystery because he stood for both sides of the war, North and South, both flags. They mystery is smoke- a metaphor?
Some common symbols
Red Love, courage Green Jealousy, growth Yellow Coward, Fear colors Red Love, courage Green Jealousy, growth Yellow Coward, Fear Blue Sadness Black Death, evil
Seasons Winter Death, Hibernation Spring Youth, birth Summer Maturity, rebirth Fall Reflection, change
Keep an eye out for animals
Keep an eye out for flowers ARE THEY BLOOMING, SHRIVILING OR DEAD?
Go through your poem and find symbols Go through your poem and find symbols. The whole poem could symbolize something