1. 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.

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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?

5. 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?

6. 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 paragraph.

7. TIDIDE for Symbolism in “Caged Bird”
Topic Sentence
In “Caged Bird,” the caged bird symbolizes a person who is trapped by circumstances and therefore sad, however longs for happiness. The speaker says, “his wings are clipped and his feet are tied” (12-13). This shows he is trapped and cannot get out even if the cage were open. Similarly, many people feel trapped by depression, poverty, drugs, or societal norms.
Important Evidence #1
Detailed Explanation 1, part 1: what quote shows
Detailed Explanation 1, part 2: how it proves topic sentence

8. TIDIDE for Symbolism in “Caged Bird”
Important Evidence #2
Transition word
Additionally, the speaker says, “____________ ________________________________( ). _____________________________________ _____________________________________. _____________________________________
Detailed Explanation 2, part 1: what quote shows
Detailed Explanation 2, part 2: how it proves topic sentence
Ending Sentence

9. Symbolism & Birds Some birds are archetypal symbols Dove Raven/crow
Owl
Phoenix
Carrion/vultures
- peace
- death
- wisdom
- rebirth

10. Symbolism & Birds 2.0 Pick a partner. Pick a feather.
Research your bird.
Create a poster.
Explain who in the book it could symbolize. (using the TIDIDE structure)

11. Dove
Characteristics:
white
small, stocky
low, soft cooing
short legs
walk as if feet are tender
powerful, precise flight patterns
eat grass and seeds
won’t disturb leaves or litter to find food
mother and father nest & raise together
The dove could symbolize Atticus because of their shared characteristics. For example, doves eat grass and seeds; they are not predators and do not eat other birds. Similarly, Atticus is a friend to other humans; he does not harm others. Also, doves are known for their soft cooing. They do not cause a ruckus. Atticus is also pretty quiet and reserved. He seldom yells or gets upset.