Name ____________________________________________________________
English 9
“The Scarlet Ibis”
Symbolism and Inference Notes
A symbol is an _________________________, _________________________,
_________________________, or _________________________ that stands for
something more than itself.
In literature, symbols add
_______________________________________________________________ to a
work.
-
A writer might take a regular object or event and make it stand for some
____________________________________________.
-
Sometimes a symbol is associated with a
_____________________________________________.
In “The Scarlet Ibis,” notice similarities and links between one character and a
______________.
-
Pay attention to how the author makes a symbolic connection between the
character and the bird.
-
This symbolism can help
_____________________________________________________________
of the character.
An inference is an ____________________________________________________
about what the writer is trying to say.
-
Inferences are based on your own ______________________ knowledge
and ________________________ from the text.
 About how
stories work
 About your own
life experience
 Descriptions
+
 Setting
 Dialogue
=
Inference
Name ____________________________________________________________
English 9
“The Scarlet Ibis”
Symbolism and Inference Notes
One way to make better inferences is to notice important details in the story.
-
Details may seem insignificant at first, but many writers choose details
carefully to help _____________________________ a certain
_________________________ or ___________________________.
-
__________________________, _____________________________,
names, times, objects, animals, and clothing – almost any little thing can help
you make _____________________________ about meaning.
Pay attention to details as you read “The Scarlet Ibis,” and practice making inferences.
Keep track of the little things:
Quickwrite – With a partner, brainstorm at least FIVE symbols, that were not
mentioned in the lecture, and their meanings
1. ___________________________________________________________________
2. ___________________________________________________________________
3. ___________________________________________________________________
4. ___________________________________________________________________
5. ___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________