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Symbols in Literature

How to identify symbols in literature

What is a symbol

• A symbol is an object, a picture, a written word, or a sound that is used to represent something else either by resemblance, convention, or association. Every language have symbols; in fact, our names are symbols that represent us as individuals.

Emelda M. "Difference Between Motifs and Symbols." DifferenceBetween.net. May 23, 2011 < http://www.differencebetween.net/language/difference-between-motifs-and-symbols/ >.

Even toddlers recognize symbols in our culture…

What is a symbol in literature?

• symbol: a person, place, object, or activity that stands for something beyond itself. Symbols can quickly communicate complicated, emotionally rich ideas.

• symbolism: the use of symbols in literature or other art forms

What is a symbol?

How to Identify Symbols in Literature

Do you want to build a snowman?

• How is the snowman described? How do the children feel about it? What do you think Harper Lee’s attitude is about it? How does it hold up throughout the day? How does it hold up over night? What are the children tasked with in the morning?

R.A.C.E.

• Read on pg. 60, “Our biggest prize…” Think about the watches as a symbol. What might the two watches symbolize? Now write a paragraph about what you think the watches represent. Be sure to explain why you think this or how you came to this conclusion.

Your Symbol

If you had to create a symbol that represented who you are what would it look like? Think about it…

Create it!

What is a symbol?

• What is the difference between a motif and a symbol?

• A symbol is a concrete object used to represent an abstract idea, and a motif is a symbol that is REPEATED in a work of literature, found on multiple occasions in the same work.