SymbolismA symbol is something

that represents something else

What can be a symbol?

• An object• Picture• Written

word• Sound • Numerals• Language

Religious Symbols

Mathematical Symbols

Political Symbols

Maple Leaf = All things Canadian

Red Bars = Pacific and Atlantic Ocean (surrounding Canada)

Red Bars also = English and French influences

Color Symbolism

Symbolism in Writing

•Symbolism is used to provide meaning to the writing beyond what is actually being described

•Plot and action are one level in the story; symbolism is another level

Why Create Symbols? Why don’t writers don’t just come right out and

say what they mean?• Symbols allow writers to suggest layers and

layers of meaning-possibilities that a simple, literal statement could never convey.

• A symbol is like a pebble cast into a pond: It sends out ever widening ripples of meaning.

Symbols and Art

• Symbols have been important to artists from the very earliest times. They often represent an idea or quality, for example the colour white usually stands for purity and the lion makes us think of courage.

• Because works of art don't usually include words, symbols are used in order to tell the viewer a message or even a story. When we look at a painting, we probably miss most of its meaning. This is especially true today, as we are not always aware of symbols which were understood in the past.

What Do These Mean to You?

Poison - Danger

Love

Olympics

Men’s Room

Peace Sign

International “No”

Can you decode these art pieces?