Name: _______________________________
Symbolism Worksheet
Objects that Represent Ideas
A symbol in a story is an object that stands for an idea.
Directions: Read the short paragraphs. Identify the
symbol. Explain what idea it represents.
1. Sarah was lost. Should she go to college or the army? She cried to her
counselor, Mr. Murray. He had long black hair and wore a vest. An owl hooted
outside his window. "Fear not. I can show you the way," said Mr. Murray.
Sarah felt better. She knew that Mr. Murray would help her.
What is the symbol? _______________________________________________
What does the symbol represent?
2. Dina sat in her apartment and felt stuck. She wanted to go to school, but she
had to work to get money. She wanted to see the world, but she had to pay rent.
She looked out the window of her tiny room. Her pet bird was signing in its
cage. Dina let a handful of seeds fall through the bars of the birdcage. She sang
a lullaby. Her voice was sweet.
What is the symbol? _______________________________________________
What does the symbol represent?
3. The judge eyed the lawyer as she argued her case. This judge happened to
have a scale on his bench, like the kind that balances. The lawyer closed her
case and the judge was silent. His eyes burned into the suspect. He had one
hand on his jawline, another on the scales. The court waited for his decision.
What is the symbol? _______________________________________________
What does the symbol represent?