Roland Bartel on Symbolism “Learning to recognize symbols is largely a matter of using our intuition and our background in literature. We should remember first of all that anything may be a symbol, that a symbol is any sign that has acquired extra meaning. It may be an object, a gesture, an incident, a person, a plot, a color, a sound, a patter or sequence of action– anything that reminds us of something else that in turn seems applicable to the text before us. The word may is crucial. Although we must develop a sensitivity to the possibility that anything unusual may be symbolic, we must refrain from concluding that everything unusual is symbolic. A balance between sensitivity to the possibility of symbols and a commonsense approach to the basic meaning of the text is the best guide.”

Jigsaw: Symbolism I can explain the significance of one symbol in TSL and understand the significance of five others. Number 1-6 in your section Regroup according to my directions 1-Plants (weeds, roots, herbs, and flowers) 2-Scaffold 3-Pearl 4-The Letter A 5-Light 6-Dark/black

In your symbol group Develop a single, short statement in which you explain the significance of your symbol. Identify three to five examples from the text to support your position. Quote Chapter If time allows, partner within your group and practice your explanation. When you return to your original section, you will TEACH your symbol to the group. This should be more than simply reading from a sheet of paper.

In your section Each person takes a turn explaining the symbol. Students listen and take organized notes, asking for clarification if necessary. I recommend leaving space after each symbol. You will want to continue developing these notes for the remainder of the novel.