Name:________________________________
Symbolism Poster Project
The Pearl by John Steinbeck
8th Grade Pre-AP Literature
Objective: In order to illustrate his/her understanding of the importance of
symbolism in literature, the student will create a poster that highlights four
separate symbols from the novella, The Pearl by John Steinbeck.
The symbols represented must be:
 the pearl
 three symbols of your choice from the novella
Supplies/Directions:
 You will need one piece of standard-size poster board; any color.
 Divide your poster board into four sections – one section for each
symbol.
 Within each section, you must provide the following:
o A literal description of the symbol (denotation)
o In your own words, what the object symbolizes within the
novella (connotation)
o Textual evidence from the novella that supports that this is a
symbol (quotes from the novella)
o A visual of the symbol; this can hand-drawn, printed, 3-D,
etc.
 Your work should be free of spelling and grammatical errors.
 Your work should be neat, colorful and easy-to-read. You may
handwrite or type your descriptions.
Rubric
Four symbols with visual of each
40/_____
Connotative/Denotative description
20/______
Description using textual evidence
15/______
Spelling/Grammar
10/______
Neatness/Color/Creativity
15/______
100/____________
Name:________________________________
Symbolism Poster Project for The Pearl by John Steinbeck
Objective: Create an informational poster that describes four
separate symbols found within the novella. You must use the pearl as
one of your symbols. You may choose the other three to analyze.
IDEAS FOR THE POSTER:
Directions: Divide your poster into four sections: one section for
each symbol. Within each section you must provide the following:
o A description of what the item usually/often
symbolizes outside the novella.
A one to three sentence description is all that is required. (For
instance: “In today’s culture, a heart usually symbolizes love. It
is used in artwork, greeting cards and other visuals to convey
the message of love.”
o A description of what the item symbolizes within the
novella. Tie the symbol’s description with how it is used within
the story. Give examples. Proofread. Use proper grammar.
o A visual of the symbol. This should be hand drawn and
colored.
o BE CREATIVE
This project is also a time management activity, so use your class time
wisely!