Name: ____________________________
Class: _________ Date: ______________
Ms. O’Bryan
General Reference
Defining Symbolism and Symbols
Symbolism is when the author uses an object or reference to add deeper meaning to a story.
Symbolism in literature can be subtle or obvious, used sparingly or a lot. An author may repeatedly
use the same object to convey deeper meaning or may use variations of the same object to create
an overarching mood or feeling. Symbolism is often used to support a literary theme in a subtle
manner.
A symbol, in general terms, is anything that stands for something else. Obvious examples of
objects that are symbols are flags, which symbolize a nation; the cross is a symbol for Christianity;
and Uncle Sam a symbol for the United States. In literature, a symbol is expected to have
significance. For example, In Suzanne Collin’s novel The Hunger Games, Katniss Everdeen’s
Mockingjay pin is a symbol for where Katniss comes from. Symbols are not always objects.
Sometimes, symbols can be colors, characters, weather, setting, and more. Another example is in L.
Frank Baum’s The Wizard of Oz, the Wicked Witch of the West symbolizes evil.
Example:
Simon kicked open the door to the small shop. He looked around in the darkness until he found
what he was looking for: a tool bench with crowbars, pliers, screwdrivers and other implements.
Silently, he used the tools to remove the shackles around his wrists and feet, shackles he had worn
for years, shackles that had helped to keep him imprisoned for most of his life. Finally free, he left
the shackles on the table and began to leave.
Before he reached the door, Simon turned around and stared at the shackles on the table. He
strode across the room and picked up a heavy hammer. With all his might, he brought the hammer
down again and again on the shackles, until they broke and bent. Still he hammered, until the cruel
chains and manacles were disfigured, unrecognizable lumps of iron. His face marked by both
fatigue and satisfaction, Simon dropped the hammer and left.
What do the shackles represent to Simon and the reader? What do they symbolize?
Name: _____________________________
Date: ____________ Class: ____________
Ms. O’Bryan
Open Response #1 Notes – The Pearl
Open Response #1 Notes and Preparation – The Pearl
Stop & Jot
Stop & Jot #1 (22-23): Select one sentence from pages 22-23 that best supports the idea that
the pearl has changed the dreams of the entire town. Defend your selection by using evidence from
the text.
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Stop & Jot #2 (23): How does the market work for the pearl buyers?
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Stop & Jot #3 (25): What do you think the significance of this quote is: “For it is said that
humans are never satisfied, that you give them one thing and they want something more.”
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Stop & Jot #5 (24-26): What new dreams does Kino have for the pearl? Use textual evidence.
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Stop & Jot #6 (27): Which of the following best explains the value Kino places on education?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Education
Education
Education
Education
helps people get ahead in the world.
prevents people from being lied to.
should be passed from generation to generation.
can only be afforded by the rich.
Write two sentences defending your answer choice with details from the text.
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Stop & Jot #7 (29): What is Kino becoming so afraid of? Steinbeck writes, “He knew that the
gods take revenge on a man if he be successful through is own efforts.” What does this mean?
What is Kino assuming here? Does he think it was his own deliberate act, or the force of the gods
that had him find the pearl?
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Stop & Jot #8 (30): Read the following sentence from page 30.
“Kino stood in the door, filling it, and hatred raged and flamed in back of his eyes, and fear too, for
the hundreds of years of subjugation were cut deep in him.”
Consider your knowledge of the relations between the two races to which Steinbeck referred earlier
in the novella. Which of the following is the most likely meaning of the word subjugation?
A. oppression
B. gratitude
C. work
D. failure
Write one sentence defending your answer choice.
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Stop & Jot #9 (29-36): How has the situation changed with the doctor? Why is the doctor
feigning interest here? Why does he not want Kino to know that he knows about the pearl? Use
textual evidence.
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Stop & Jot #10 (37-38): What just happened while Kino and Juana were asleep?
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Stop & Jot #11 (38-39): What does Juana want to do with the pearl? Why would she want to do
this? What does she fear?
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Name: ________________________
Date: ____________ Class: _______
Ms. O’Bryan
Open Response #1 Notes/Organizer – The Pearl
Prompt: In literature, simple objects can take on a new meaning within the framework of a story
and represent complex ideas and deep emotions. Think about the pearl that Kino found and how
various characters reacted to it in chapter 3. What do you think the pearl symbolizes? What does it
symbolize to characters like Juana, Kino, the doctor, the priest, and the townspeople? Using details
from the text, explain the various ways that the pearl is thus far a symbol in Steinbeck’s novella.
Directions: Fill in the blanks below to help you plan your writing:
This open response is asking me to ____________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________. I already know that
symbolism is when _________________________________________________________________
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Character 1:
___________
What the pearl
means to
him/her/them:
What the pearl
means to
him/her/them:
Character 2:
_________
Evidence from the text:
Evidence from the text:
Character 3:
___________
What the pearl means to
him/her/them:
Evidence from the text:
onstrate my understanding of the prompt by filling out the following graphic organizer:
Name: _____________________________
Date: ____________ Class: ____________
Ms. O’Bryan
Open Response #1 Notes – The Pearl
Open Response #1 Notes and Preparation – The Pearl
Open Response Prompt: In literature, simple objects can take on a new meaning within the framework of
a story and represent complex ideas and deep emotions. Think about the pearl that Kino found and how
various characters reacted to it in chapter 3. What do you think the pearl symbolizes? What does it
symbolize to characters like Juana, Kino, the doctor, the priest, and the townspeople? Using details from the
text, explain the various ways that the pearl is thus far a symbol in Steinbeck’s novella.
Thesis Statement:
Supporting Detail 1:
Evidence for Supporting Detail 1 (including page #) (How does it support your answer?):
Supporting Detail 2:
Evidence for Supporting Detail 2 (including page #) (How does it support your answer?):
Supporting Detail 3:
Evidence for Supporting Detail 3 (including page #) (How does it support your answer?):
Conclusion:
Name: ______________________________
Date: ____________ Class: _____________
Ms. O’Bryan
Open Response #1 – The Pearl
The Pearl Open Response Question #1:
Directions: In this MCAS-style open response question, be sure to:
•
•
•
•
Read the question carefully.
Explain your answer.
Add supporting details.
Double-check your work.
In literature, simple objects can take on a new meaning within the framework of a story and
represent complex ideas and deep emotions. Think about the pearl that Kino found and how
various characters reacted to it in chapter 3. What do you think the pearl symbolizes? What does it
symbolize to characters like Juana, Kino, the doctor, te priest, and the townspeople? Using details
from the text, explain the various ways that the pearl is thus far a symbol in Steinbeck’s novella.
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