Symbolism in The Giver

Symbolism

by Ms. Douglas

​Objectives

​To identify symbols in our lives

​To identify symbols in The Giver

​To explain why symbolism is important in literature

​Questions to think about...

​What do you know about symbols? What are some symbols you can think of?

​What is symbolism?

• ​Symbolism is an image or word that represents a collective idea.

• ​Symbols can help others understand multiple concepts.

• ​Tangible thing that helps us understand an abstract idea.

• ​MOST OF THE TIME, symbols will occur again and again in the book.

Open Ended

What does this symbol represent? 

Open Ended

What does this symbol represent?

Open Ended

What does this symbol represent? 

• Step 1: Identify symbol (image that repeats over and over again in literature, pop culture, life)

• Step 2: Identify ordinary meaning/use of symbol 

• Step 3: Identify use of symbol in context of the story

• Step 4: Connect meanings together -- How is this symbol used to help us understand life/larger themes in the book? 

​Some text here about the topic of discussion.

​How To Analyze a Symbol

Reading Focus

​As you read...

Think about tangible things that come up in the story and consider what it might mean for Jonas in The Giver

Open Ended

What do you think are some symbols in The Giver? What is a tangible thing that occurs again and again in the story? Take a moment to think and type ONE potential idea down. 

​Uncovering Symbols in The Giver

​Please follow along as we go through an example together.

​

Then, choose one of the other symbols to work on independently. All materials will be found in your interactive notebook in Google Classroom.