1. Literary Elements
Notes

2. Symbol

3. Definition of Symbol(ism):
any item that stands for itself and something beyond itself

4. Let’s break it down…

5. Types of Symbols

6. People or Animals

7. People Examples: Bart Simpson
represents the challenge to authority and lack of responsibility for our own actions “I didn’t do it!”
Martin Luther King, Jr., represents the struggle of African-Americans and change through peaceful, non-violent approaches.

8. A dove usually represents peace and tranquility.
Animal Examples:
A dove usually represents peace and tranquility.
An eagle holds symbolic meaning to Americans, representing pride and freedom.

9. Settings

10. Setting Examples:
The tragedy of 9/11 and the destruction of the World Trade Center Towers will forever be symbolic for America’s loss of innocence. “Ground Zero” will represent both the evil of mankind and the hope for a better future.

11. Setting Examples:
Cemeteries are symbolic. Of course, a grave can be symbolic of death. Many choose to see graveyards as a place of honor, such as Arlington National Cemetery (it represents not only the sacrifices made but the honor we give to those who have served this country).

12. Objects

13. A horseshoe represents good luck (as long as it is facing up).
Objects Examples:
A horseshoe represents good luck (as long as it is facing up).
A ring is a symbol of a commitment to each other. The “circle” is also symbolic of “neverending.”

14. Objects Examples:
Each religion has many symbolic objects that represent various things to its believers.
The scales represent justice in a court of law, balancing the forces of good vs. evil.

15. Names

16. Names Examples: Charles Dickens’ character: Miss Murdstone
(which sounds like murder + stone put together).
She was a very hard, cold, and cruel lady.

17. Names Examples: “Rocky”
Why didn’t Sylvester Stallone name his famous movie character Fluffy? Smiley? Buttercup?

18. Colors

19. Color Examples:
Red represents excitement, energy, passion, love, desire, speed, strength, power, Republicans (a “red” state), heat, aggression, danger, fire, blood, war, and violence.

20. Color Examples:
Black represents sophistication, formality, elegance, mystery, fear, evil, unhappiness, sadness, remorse, anger, anonymity, mourning, and death.

21. Color Examples:
Green represents nature, environment, good luck, renewal/rebirth, youth, spring, generosity, wealth (money), fertility, jealousy, greed, and envy.

22. Color Examples:
Purple represents royalty, nobility, spirituality, ceremony, transformation, wisdom, enlightenment, cruelty, arrogance, mourning.

23. Color Examples:
White represents purity, cleanliness, peace, humility, innocence, youth, winter, snow, good, sterility, marriage (Western cultures), death (Eastern cultures), and cold.

24. Color Examples:
Blue represents peace, tranquility, calm, stability, harmony, unity, trust, truth, confidence, security, Democrats (a “blue” state), loyalty, sky, and water.

25. Color Examples:
Yellow represents joy, happiness, optimism, idealism, imagination, hope, sunshine, warmth, summer, cowardice, covetousness, deceit, and illness.

26. Symbol