Growing Bigger Ideas about

Symbols Symbol Something that represents something else by association, resemblance, or convention. Something visible representing something invisible. A symbol can be embued with rich layers of meanings.

What is Symbolism When the author uses an object or reference to add deeper meaning to a story. Often used to support a literary theme in a subtle manner 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.

How Do Writers Use Symbolism? To allude to:  a feeling  mood  attitude To convey the perspective or mood intended indirectly. Symbolism is supplemental to the story.

What Are Some Examples of Symbolism? Sunrise: new start, beginning Spring: youth, birth, life Winter: death, dying, old age Rose: love, beauty

National, religious, and cultural symbols have standard interpretations as well as a personal significance for each individual.

For example, the American flag symbolizes the United States of America. The personal significance, however, varies. A U.S. army veteran cherishes its meaning. A terrorist, on the other hand, finds it despicable.

A green piece of paper with George Washington's picture on it symbolizes one dollar. A billionaire considers it chump change. A beggar considers it an elusive treasure.

Common Cultural Symbols? 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 indicate a punk rocker.  Medals and swords symbolize a member of the military.  Nets and ropes can symbolize a fisherman or sea captain.

Setting- The rain stifles Clover It rained a lot that summer. On rainy days that girl sat on the fence in a raincoat. She let herself get all wet and acted like she didn’t even care. Sometimes I saw her dancing around in puddles, splashing and laughing. Mama wouldn’t let me go out in the rain. “That’s why I bought you rainy-day toys,” my mama said. “You stay inside here-where it’s warm and safe and dry.” But every time it rained, I looked for that girl. And I always found her. Somewhere near the fence.

Objects- Can be very powerful and define who people are The fence is an important object that brings children of different races together The actions of children can influence adult’s thinking

Big Ideas Annie and Clover challenge the adults’ authority and take a position for themselves. Looking out at the world from the fence allows them to have a different perspective Looking at the world through the eyes of a child can change an adults’ perspective

So, Why is the Fence so powerful? It stands out and defines who people are in a neighborhood It separates people It’s a meeting place for kids to gather It makes children feel powerful when they are sitting on it.  They are on top of the world It allows children to have a different view of the world when they sit on it.

How is the fence is a powerful object? How does symbolism play a role in this story? Why is the fence so powerful? What is the theme? How do the characters’ actions teach the theme? Why does the author choose to end the story with the words, “some day….”? Any other big ideas?