1. Symbolism Tutorial

2. What Is a Symbol?
A symbol is a person, place, thing, or event that stands both for itself and for something beyond itself.
© Bob Rowan; Progressive Image/CORBIS
The use of symbols in literature is called symbolism.

3. Why Do Writers Use Symbols?
Writers may use symbols to
suggest layers of meaning to their work
emphasize the story’s theme
allow readers to form their own interpretations
speak forcefully to readers’ emotions and imaginations

4. Identifying Symbols To identify symbols, keep in mind that
Symbols are often visual.
Look for things that seem out of place.
Symbols are often given great emphasis in a story.
Look for events, objects, or settings to which the writer has given a great deal of emphasis.
Look for objects, people, or words that appear throughout the story.
© Mark Peterson/Corbis Saba

5. Identifying Symbols
A symbol is something that is identified with something else that is very different.
Ask yourself: Does this item also stand for something that is essentially different from itself?
Symbols usually have something to do with a story’s theme
Ask yourself: How does this item relate to the story’s overall message?

6. Correct or Incorrect?
The symbolism of the tree is growth. It gradually grew and got more mature as it grew. That is the same thing humans do as they get older in life.
The tree symbolizes the grandfather. Both start from humble beginnings. Both struggle to thrive in a harsh environment. Both work without producing much for many years. Eventually, however, they grow strong, become formidable, and provide for others.

7. A Word to the Wise Don’t look for symbols in everything you read.
Not all writers use symbolism.
Not all symbols are universal.
CORBIS Images/HRW
Is the wolf:
A symbol of nature and beauty?
A symbol of death and danger?
Just a wolf?

8. Analyzing Symbolism
Determine the person, place, thing or event you think is a symbol.
What are its characteristics?
What other person, place, thing, or event shares those characteristics?
Explain it with a TIDIDE or C3 (Claim-Cite-Clarify) paragraph.

9. Curley’s Gloved Hand Gloved Hand Other Soft
Other men look down on it/disdain
Doesn’t last because hand crushed
Requires effort
Kindness
Compassion
Gentility
Harsh world

10. C3 for Symbolism in Of Mice and Men
In Of Mice and Men Curley’s gloved hand symbolizes kindness or weakness in a harsh world. These men live in a harsh world where “maybe ever'body in the whole damn world is scared of each other.” Thus, men usually keep their guard up and don’t show kindness or compassion – they keep it hidden. This is evidenced by Carlson’s killing of Candy’s dog. Like the “guard” that the men put up, the glove protects his hand so it stays soft and is not affected by the harsh world. Sadly, this effort proves futile once his hand is crushed. With only one usable hand, he will not be able to keep part of himself soft and gentle – those things don’t belong in this harsh world.
Claim
Cite
Clarify
Cite

11. Great Gatsby Symbolism
Let’s brainstorm: what are some possible symbols?
With your letter buddy, list characteristics of the person/place/thing.
Come up with the person/place/thing it represents and explain it in a C3 paragraph.

12. Wrap What did you learn today? What is Required for class tomorrow?
Do you have any questions you want to Ask?
Please Put up and Pick up.