2. I, Juan de Pareja Project Literary Term: Symbolism by Alexander Jonathan Mr. Swatek’s ELA 7 Class June 13, 2016

3. Symbolism A “symbol” is “a visible sign or representation of an idea. It is anything which suggests an idea or quality, or another thing, as by resemblance or by convention” Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc. @ www.dictionary.com

4. Examples from the Novel Juan’s father gave his mother “a golden bracelet and gold hoops for her ears” (4). Juan’s mother gave him the earrings and bracelet before she died (4). Juan sold the bracelet and one earring to buy painting supplies (56).

5. Examples from the Novel The “golden bracelet and gold hoops” symbolize: Juan’s love for and memory of his mother. Juan’s desire to paint— it is so great that he sells these gifts from his mother so that he can secretly continue his art!

6. Example from Real Life In real life, the heart is a muscle in your body that pumps blood. However, a heart can also be a symbol, representing love.

7. Quiz Question Juan Bautista has Juan de Pareja give Paquita a letter. In the letter, Juan Bautista has placed a “tiny four-leaved red flower” (63). What does this flower symbolize? Using complete sentences, please write down your answer in your journal. CLICK HERE WHEN STUDENTS ARE DONE WRITING THEIR ANSWERS!

8. Quiz Answer #1 The flower symbolizes the secret love Juan Bautista shares with Paquita. Only Juan Bautista and Juan de Pareja (the messenger) know that Paquita bought the flower. Also, they are the only characters who know that Paquita gave the flower to Juan Bautista as a symbolic question: “Do you love me?” Now that Juan Bautista is returning the flower, he is symbolically telling Paquita that he returns her affections: “Yes, I do.”

9. Quiz Answer #2 The fact the flower is red is also symbolic. Red is a color that can often represent love in literature and art.