Understanding Symbols

What is a symbol? something used for or regarded as representing something else; a material object representing something, often something immaterial or abstract (such as a ambition, superstition, or death); emblem, token, or sign. something used for or regarded as representing something else; a material object representing something, often something immaterial or abstract (such as a ambition, superstition, or death); emblem, token, or sign.

Symbol-n. A concrete object, person, or place that also represents an abstract idea. Ex: Dove = peace Ex: American flag = freedom or USA

What clues can help you find symbols? Repetition Repetition Especially detailed descriptions Especially detailed descriptions Importance to a character or the story Importance to a character or the story Universal symbol (flag, olive branch, etc.) Universal symbol (flag, olive branch, etc.) The title? The title? Your gut! Your gut!

What might this image symbolize? Teamwork? Teamwork? Slavery? Slavery? How can you tell? How can you tell?

How can you tell what this symbolizes? Look to the text!!! How does the author describe it? How does the author describe it? Does it have a physical use in the story? Does it have a physical use in the story? What’s the author’s tone toward it? What’s the author’s tone toward it? How do characters interact with it? How do characters interact with it? Does it change? How? Does it change? How? How does it affect the story and/or characters? How does it affect the story and/or characters?

Important Symbols: What are some of the objects / actions/ events / characters that might be symbolic in our current novel? What are some of the objects / actions/ events / characters that might be symbolic in our current novel? What might these objects / actions events / characters symbolize? Do they express an idea, clarify meaning, or enlarge literal meaning? What might these objects / actions events / characters symbolize? Do they express an idea, clarify meaning, or enlarge literal meaning?

Make a 2-Column Note Chart for the most important symbols… Create a 2-Column Note Chart (for at least THREE items right now) that you will add to as you read. Create a 2-Column Note Chart (for at least THREE items right now) that you will add to as you read. Head one column “Symbol” and the other column “What idea is being expressed, what meaning is being clarified or what literal idea is being enlarged?” Head one column “Symbol” and the other column “What idea is being expressed, what meaning is being clarified or what literal idea is being enlarged?”

Start with “Mice” What does a mouse or mice symbolize in the novel? What does a mouse or mice symbolize in the novel? How do you know this? Evidence from the text? How is it depicted / used within the novel? What characters is it connected to and why? How do you know this? Evidence from the text? How is it depicted / used within the novel? What characters is it connected to and why?