Introduction to Symbolism 1
I can Identify and analyze symbolism
in a literary text.
Symbolism
• Writers use many literary devices to add layers of meaning
to their writing. One way they do this is by using
symbolism.
• Symbolism is when writers use animals, elements, things,
places, or colors to represent other things. The symbols
they use are usually well known in literature or
culture. When you understand the symbol being used, you
connect its meaning to the story you are reading and
understand the story on a deeper level.
• Another way to understand symbolism is to think about
how the media, movies, television, and music videos use
symbols to immediately make us think of or connect with
other things.
For example…
• In westerns, who wears the white
hat?
• The good guy or the hero because
white is a symbol for good or
innocence
• In westerns, who wears the black
hat?
• The bad guy or villain because
black is a symbol for evil
With your shoulder partner…
• Jump down to the color list on your notes
• Brainstorm the meanings of other color
symbols.
• We will check your answers as we take notes
over symbolism.
See you do know about symbols! Often colors are
used represent various characteristics or emotions.
Color
Meaning
White
The symbol of good or innocence.
Brides and angels wear white.
Black
The symbol of evil.
Villains in old time movies often wore black.
Red
The symbol of love or courage.
Red is the color of Valentine's Day.
Blue
The symbol of beauty and loyalty.
The sky is blue, and Mary in the Bible is
usually pictured wearing blue.
Color
Meaning
Purple
The symbol of royalty.
In ancient times only the king or emperor was
allowed to wear purple.
Gold
The symbol of wealth and power.
Gold is the precious metal we prize the
most. Only the rich and powerful possess a
lot of gold.
Green
The symbol of hope, growth, and new life.
In the spring, the earth turns green bringing
us the hope of a new season.
Writers use symbolic colors in their work in
many ways. Sometimes color can be used to
describe clothing of characters or in the setting
of a story. If you are looking for them, these
symbols tell you more about the characters and
the story.
Colors are not the only things that are used as
literary symbols. Often nature provides writers
with symbols.
Sometimes natural phenomena are
used as symbols for times in life.
Symbol
The Reason
Night symbolizes death.
Night is the end of the day the same way death is the
end of life.
Sunrise is the symbol for a new The sunrise is the beginning of a new day and each day
beginning.
offers a chance to start over.
Sunset is the symbol for
nearing the end.
The sunset is the end of the day.
Fall is the symbol of middle
age.
Fall is late in the year and the growing season ends the
same way middle age is a time when people slow
down.
Spring is the symbol of new
life.
Spring is when the earth comes back to life and
everything blooms creating new life.
Summer is the symbol for
______________.
Winter is the symbol for
_____________.
Symbol
Meaning
Fire
The symbol of cleansing and purification.
Fire burns everything away leaving things
cleared to begin again.
Water
The symbol of life and cleansing
Water is necessary to live and is used in church
to wash away our sins.
Air
The symbol of change. As air sweeps in taking
the form of wind it sweeps away the old and
brings in the new.
Stone
The symbol of building and solidity.
Stone is natural, of the earth, and the strongest
building material.
Although there are many other symbols that
writers use, one last set must be addressed-animals. States and countries choose animals to
represent traits they want associated with
them. Nursery rhymes and cartoons use
animals as characters and those characters can
often be interpreted symbolically.
Animal
What it symbolizes…
Bear
Strong or Grouchy
Dove
Peace or Love
Hawk
War
Lion
Courage or Leadership
With your group, explain why each of these
might represent these characteristics. Be ready
to share!
Now, think of two more animals
not listed on the previous page.
What characteristics might these
animals symbolize?
*Hint- Think about nursery rhymes or cartoons.*
Watch the following video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9F599mU6L4&feature=youtu.be
What is symbolism?
Think of The Outsiders.
1.What are some things that stood out in that
novel? (Brainstorm 2-3 things; think about
today’s notes too!)
2.What do those things resemble in the book or
the novel?
3.What is the author’s attitude towards them?
• Most symbols in literature connect to things
you are familiar with in life. Being aware that
writers use them, means that you can spot
them in the stories you read and make
connections to the meanings these symbols
have. This helps you to understand the story
on a much deeper level.
• Rewrite the definition of symbolism
• End of Symbolism day 1