Symbolism: Layers of meaning

What IS A Symbol A symbol is often an ordinary object, event, person, color or animal to which we have attached extraordinary meaning and significance beyond the literal level.

We use a rectangle of dyed cloth to symbolize a country.

We use a picture of a skull and crossbones to symbolize poison or danger. We send red roses as a symbol of love.

Where Do Symbols Come From? Symbols can be inherited or invented The most familiar symbols have been inherited, meaning, they have been handed down over time

For example: no one really knows who first thought of using a lion as a symbol of power, courage and domination Once these qualities were associated with the animal, images of lions appeared on flags, banners, coats of arms and castle walls The lion became a public symbol that shows up in art and literature, even today! Can you think of some examples of how lions are used as a symbol of courage and power?

People throughout history have endowed ordinary objects with meanings far beyond their simple meaning. A crown symbolizes royalty Five rings linked symbolize the Olympics An olive branch symbolizes peace

Symbols can also be invented. Why is this the symbol for our school?

Writers often take a new object, character, or event and make it the embodiment of some human concern. For example: Peter Pan is a symbol for eternal childhood Some invented symbols in literature have become so widely known that they often have gained the status of public symbols. “Peter Pan Syndrome”

Why Create Symbols? You may ask why writers don’t just come right out and say what they mean. Symbols allow writers to suggest layers and layers of meaning-possibilities that a simple, literal statement could never convey. A symbol is like a pebble cast into a pond: It sends out ever widening ripples of meaning

Examples Here we have a picture of a serpent (snake) and an apple. What are some things that come to mind when you see this image? Often times, an apple or snake is used to symbolize temptation or trouble. These symbols stem from their biblical reference. What does the apple stand for?

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs The witch tempts Snow White with an apple. The apple turns out to be poisonous and puts Snow White into a deep sleep. Where else have you seen an apple to represent temptation and trouble? Also, look at her name.

Why would Stephenie Meyer use an apple as the cover of her book?

In The Wizard of Oz, the ruby red slippers became a symbol of home because they were the means which Dorothy used to get back to Kansas.

Interesting fact: Did you know that in the book, Dorothy’s shoes are silver? The movie is so widely known that we, as a society, have accepted that red shoes represent home.

Colors In the United States, the color white is associated with certain virtues or ideas. Why do women traditionally wear white on their wedding days?

We use a white dove to represent peace.

What do you think Stephenie Meyer used these colors for this book cover?

Red What does the color red symbolize?

Often a plant is used to symbolize growth or a new beginning.

Speak In the novel Speak, Melinda’s tree grows and changes as she goes through change. Her tree is damaged and scared, but as she heals, so does her tree.

A Raisin in the Sun In the play, Mama has a plant that she cared for and took with her to the new house. What do you think the plant was a symbol of?

Seasons-Often the time of year a story takes place is symbolic. WINTER death, sleep, hibernation, stagnation

SPRING birth, new beginning

SUMMER maturity, knowledge

FALL decline, nearing death, growing old

How can you recognize a symbol? When reading a text, a symbol is something that appears over and over to the point that you feel it must have more meaning.