1. Symbolism
Screen English

2. Examples of Symbolism

3. Symbolism - using an object to represent an abstract idea
What can symbolism be represented by?
An object
A person
An idea
An identity
A musical theme
There can be many meanings for one object
What is Symbolism?

5.
Symbolism in Movies

6. Symbolism through Colors
For example, colors:
Black is used to represent death or evil
White stands for life and purity (or also death)
Red can symbolize blood, passion, danger, or immoral character (think Communism – 공산주의)
Purple is a royal color
Yellow stands for violence or decay
Blue represents peacefulness and calm

9. Symbolism in Objects Objects can be symbolic:
A chain can symbolize the coming together of two things, or being bound to something
A ladder can represent the relationship between heaven and earth or ascension
A mirror when it is broken can represent brokenness in life
A cross sometimes represents purity or innocence

12. Symbolism through Music
Theme 1
Theme 2
Theme 3
Theme 4
Theme 5
Theme 6
Symbolism through Music
Symbolism can happen through music:
What are the differences between these themes?
Characteristics of Music:
Major key – happy mood
Minor key – sad/scary mood
Fast tempo – excitement
Slow tempo – love/reflection
Soft – love/sadness
Loud – excitement/suspense
Without form – insanity/suspense

13. Symbolism in Moana? Objects in Moana: Colors in Moana: Music in Moana:
Heart of Te Fiti
The Ocean
The Reef
Te Fiti Earth Goddess versus Te Kā Volcano Demon
Maui’s fishhook
Conch shell
Maui’s tattoos
Colors in Moana:
Black draining of islands
Red fire of Te Kā
Green grass of Te Fiti
Music in Moana:
“How Far I’ll Go” – main song
Symbolism in Moana?

14. Create Your Own Symbolism
By yourself, write a short story with symbolism:
Pick characters (1 or 2)
Pick a setting
Pick an object or color to represent something
Write a story about it (2-3 paragraphs)
Create Your Own Symbolism

15. It was very late, but Martin looked longingly out at the beach
It was very late, but Martin looked longingly out at the beach. The water, cold and rough, seemed uncomfortable to live in. The beach itself looked beautiful with the setting sun. The palm trees swayed easily in the wind. Martin wishes he could live up on the beach like a bird and feel the warmth of the sun on his body. But Martin remembered his parents. He remembered his work. But most of all, Martin remembered his normal life that he lived in the ocean. He knew that he should go home soon, and so he began to swim back to his home. His family had expectations; he lived to fulfill those expectations. The only person he did not live for was himself. Martin stopped. A deep feeling of sadness came over him. How long will he live like other people want him? If only he could come out of the ocean. He could live in freedom. Then, a slow smile came on his face. He decided he would choose freedom. Martin swam back to the beach and, popping his head out of the water, he breathed fresh air. It was not enough. He swam farther and walked on dry land. Then Martin began to fly. He flew higher and felt the winds of freedom. No longer was he trapped in the ocean, he was free in the air, like he was meant to be. For Martin was a bird all along.
Short Story Example