1. Symbolism and Allegory
Signs of something more…

2. 1. Symbol
Meaning – something that functions in a way one would expect, but also represents something else
Usually stands for something abstract
Difference between literary and social symbols
Social symbols: signs, flags, religious symbols
Literary symbols: can be social symbols, but more likely are objects or characteristics that are given symbolic meaning by the context in which the author places them.

3. 2. Public Symbols
Meaning – Symbols that are culturally recognized What do these public symbols represent?

4. 3. Allegory
Meaning – A story in which characters and places stand for virtues and vices (good and bad). Almost every element has meaning beyond the literal level.
Example:
Animal Farm – a political allegory about Communism
The Pilgrim’s Progress – a cultural allegory about Christianity

5. 4. Fables
Meaning – A type of allegory that uses animal characters to teach a practical lesson
Examples:
The Tortoise and the Hare
What was the lesson?
The Boy Who Cried Wolf

6. 5. Parable
Meaning – A type of allegory that uses an ordinary everyday situation to teach a moral lesson
Examples:
The Good Samaritan

7. Why use symbols? Symbols are used to move the reader
Examples:
The Good Samaritan
Cinderella’s glass slipper
Symbols are easily remembered or recognized
Flags

8. Identifying Symbols Symbols are often visual.
Ex. The different types of houses in The Three Little Pigs
Symbols often appear throughout a story.
Ex. The White Rabbit from Alice in Wonderland
Symbols are a form of figurative language
Symbols often relate to the story’s theme