UNIT 4 C.P. 9 Lecture Notes

Symbolism  What is a symbol?  Often an ordinary object, event, person, or animal to which we attach unusual meaning and significance. For example: Skull and crossbones represents a symbol of danger or poison Red roses represents a symbol of love Lion represents a symbol of power and courage Crown represents a symbol of royalty

Symbolism  Where do symbols come from?  handed down or inherited over time  invented by someone or something For example: our school symbol – dawg print / Scottie head  However, we may not know the origin of many symbols, including common ones.  Writers often take a new object, character, or event and make it the embodiment of some human concern.

Why use symbols?  Why don’t writers just come right out and say what they mean rather than using symbols?  Symbols allow writers to suggest various types of meanings.  Sometimes, literal statements can’t explain what something means on the same level that a symbol can.  Symbols may also allow for creativity and imagination. You may remember the symbols, even long after forgetting parts of the story.

Allegory  What is an allegory?  An allegory is a story in which characters, settings, and actions stand for something beyond themselves.  There is a literal meaning AND a figurative or symbolic meaning.  Allegories are often intended to teach a moral lesson or to make a comment about goodness. For example: George Orwell’s Animal Farm For example: Poe’s “Masque of the Red Death” Characters and situations stand for something bigger Seven colored rooms = seven deadly sins, stages of life, etc. The Red Death = The Bubonic Plague / Black Death Can have symbols inside an allegory: Prince Prospero = represents wealth or greed

Symbolism Practice… 1.) Identify what you think the items below stand for, symbolically. 2.) Then, explain: why is this symbol appropriate for what it stands for?  A snake  An eagle  Spring  An owl  A white flag  A heart  The color green  The American flag 3.) Be prepared to discuss your answers.

Allegory Practice…  Read the following poem and answer the question below. I May, I Might, I Must If you will tell me why the fen appears impassable, I then will tell you why I think that I can get across it if I try. – Marianne Moore Literal meaning of a fen: A fen is a swampy place. What do you believe the fen symbolizes in this poem? Be prepared to discuss your answer.