Introduction to Symbolism
What is a noun? ________________________________________________________________________
What does it mean for a noun to be concrete? ____________________________________________
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examples: _____________________________________________________________________________________
What does it mean for a noun to be abstract? _____________________________________________
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examples: _____________________________________________________________________________________
What abstract nouns do you think of when you think of these concrete nouns?
Symbolism
Symbolism is the use of an object or a word to represent something else, usually an abstract
idea. In literature, symbolism is a figure of speech where an object, person, or situation has a
deeper meaning other than its literal meaning.
from Shmoop.com:
A symbol is something that represents something else. We know—super helpful, right?
Want more clarity? Okay, how about this: a symbol is a word, an image, or anything that somehow
represents a larger idea. In other words, what you see is not just what you get. Symbols are more than
meets the eye. They're loaded with meaning.
Example? In America, eagles are a symbol of freedom. In punk rock, the safety pin is a symbol of
rebellion. In Western literature, the apple is often a symbol for sin.
But when talking about symbols, it's also important to remember that the symbol is still itself, in
addition to what it symbolizes. So when you see an apple in a book and immediately think of sin, don't
forget that it's also just an apple. And someone's probably going to eat it. Or at least bake it into a pie.
http://www.shmoop.com/literature-glossary/symbol.html
Common Symbols
What do the following things often symbolize?
a. flame __________________
d. road
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g. summer __________________
b. light
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e. rose
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h. autumn
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c. night
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i.
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f.
f. spring _________________
winter
Symbolism in Literature
Read the following poem. Highlight or circle all the concrete nouns.
Mother to Son
by Langston Hughes
Well, son, I'll tell you:
Life for me ain't been no crystal stair.
It's had tacks in it,
And splinters,
And boards torn up,
And places with no carpet on the floor—
Bare.
But all the time
I'se been a-climbin' on,
And reachin' landin's,
And turnin' corners,
And sometimes goin' in the dark
Where there ain't been no light.
So, boy, don't you turn back.
Don't you set down on the steps.
'Cause you finds it's kinder hard.
Don't you fall now—
For I'se still goin', honey,
I'se still climbin',
And life for me ain't been no crystal stair.
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