What Is a Symbol? A symbol is a person, place, thing, or event that stands both for itself - PowerPoint Presentation

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What Is a Symbol?

A symbol is a person, place, thing, or event that stands both for itself and for something beyond itself.

The use of symbols in literature is called symbolism.

© Bob Rowan; Progressive Image/CORBIS

Why Do Writers Use Symbols?

Writers may use symbols to

suggest layers of meaning to their workemphasize the story’s themeallow readers to form their own interpretationsspeak forcefully to readers’ emotions and imaginations

Identifying Symbols

© Mark Peterson/Corbis Saba

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.

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 themeAsk yourself: How does this item relate to the story’s overall message?

A Word to the Wise

Don’t look for symbols in everything you read.

Not all writers use symbolism.Not all symbols are universal.

Is the wolf:

A symbol of nature and beauty?A symbol of death and danger?Just a wolf?

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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.

TIDIDE for Symbolism in “Caged Bird”

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.

Topic SentenceImportant Evidence #1Detailed Explanation 1, part 1: what quote shows

Detailed Explanation 1, part 2: how it proves topic sentence

TIDIDE for Symbolism in “Caged Bird”

Additionally, the speaker says, “____________

________________________________( ). __________________________________________________________________________.__________________________________________________________________________.__________________________________________________________________________. Transition wordDetailed Explanation 2, part 1: what quote shows

Detailed Explanation 2, part 2: how it proves topic sentence

Important Evidence #2Ending Sentence

Symbolism & Birds

Some birds are archetypal symbols

DoveRaven/crowOwlPhoenixCarrion/vultures- peace- death- wisdom- rebirth- death

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)

Dove

Characteristics:white

small, stockylow, soft cooingshort legswalk as if feet are tenderpowerful, precise flight patternseat grass and seedswon’t disturb leaves or litter to find foodmother and father nest & raise togetherThe 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.