Symbolism

Symbolism

By Allison Seeley

What is a symbol?

Suppose you see an advertisement for an online encyclopedia. The ad features a photograph of a smiling student, triumphantly holding up his diploma.The diploma is being used as a symbol; it represents something more than what it is—a piece of paper. Rather, the diploma stands for a future filled with endless possibilities.Symbols often appear in literature, too. On the screens that follow, you'll learn how to interpret and analyze the symbols you encounter in your reading.

ELA

I can identify and analyze symbolism.

What is a symbol?

Symbols in literature

In literature, a symbol is a person, place, object, or activity that stands for something beyond itself. A writer's use of symbols is called symbolism.

I can identify and analyze symbolism.

​​Statue of Liberty

Sunset

​​Children

​​Road

Symbolizes a journey, new direction

Symbolizes freedom, new opportunities

Symbolizes innocence, a new start

Symbolizes the end of something, beauty

Universal Symbols

Some symbols are universal, meaning they communicate meanings that large numbers of people understand. For example, a flag is a universal symbol that stands for patriotism; a dove is a universal symbol that represents peace.

ELA

I can identify and analyze symbolism.

Unique Symbols

Other symbols are not as instantly recognizable. Rather, they are unique to a specific work of literature.For instance, suppose you are reading a story about a teenager who moves across the country and starts over at a new middle school. At school, the boy feels isolated and unpopular. A talented piano player, the boy throws himself into practicing his music for hours and hours after school every day. In this story, the piano symbolizes an escape from the challenges and loneliness that he faces in his everyday life.

ELA

I can identify and analyze symbolism.

Interpreting Symbols

Interpreting, or figuring out, symbols can be tricky. As you read any work of literature, look for objects, places, people, or activities that are described in great detail—or that are mentioned often. Then, ask yourself: How does this symbol relate to what's happening in the story? What does this symbol mean to the characters? What might this symbol represent?

ELA

I can identify and analyze symbolism.

Interpreting Symbols

Think about the symbols you just identified. A gold shamrock is an instantly recognizable symbol of good luck. The small bird, however, has a meaning that is specific to the story about Cassi.Did you realize that the bird symbolizes Cassi herself? The small bird prevails over the large hawk. Similarly, readers can expect that Cassi, the youngest competitor in the tournament, will defeat her fiercest rivals. By using symbolism, the writer hints at this outcome without directly stating it.

ELA

I can identify and analyze symbolism.

Multiple Choice

Tough times became a way of life for the Amos family after they lost their home. Wesley Amos wondered how his family could ever get back the secure feeling of having one's own house keys. About a year later, the Amos family built their own home through a program that puts families in need to work. As the builder handed over their house keys, Wesley's heart leaped. The new keys seemed to gleam in the bright sunlight. As his dad opened their front door, Wesley shouted, "Let's get this new home started!"

What meaning might house keys symbolize?

• new wealth

• relief

• new beginnings

• ownership

Summary

In literature, a symbol is a person, place, object, or activity that stands for something beyond itself. Writers use symbols to communicate big ideas about life.

​A universal symbol is one that is widely known and easily recognized by many people. Not all symbols are universal, though. Symbols can also be unique to a particular work of literature.

To identify and interpret symbols, look for objects, places, people, or activities that are described in great detail. Then, ask yourself: What might this symbol represent?​

ELA

I can identify and analyze symbolism.

Multiple Choice

Which of these is the best definition of a symbol?

• anything that is literal

• a person, place, object, or activity that a writer adds for detail

• a person, place, object, or activity that also stands for something else

• hints or clues about what may happen later on in a work of literature

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is an example of a universal symbol?

• a bucket filled with marbles

• a baby dinosaur taking a nap

• a child who asks a lot of questions

• a cardboard box in the corner of a basement

Multiple Choice

Which of these is true of unique symbols?

• They are easier to interpret than universal symbols.

• They cannot be interpreted, except by the writer.

• They are created by a writer for a specific work.

• They serve no useful purpose.

Multiple Choice

Ana had spent an unhappy night of tossing and turning. Yesterday, the wrong move had caused her to lose the volleyball match. As she sat up in bed the next morning, she could see the sun just peeking over the bushes in her back yard. As the sun rose higher and shined more brightly, Ana felt her spirits lifting. Feeling her confidence return, Ana thought to herself, I know I can work harder, and I'll make the team forget yesterday ever happened.

In this passage, the rising sun symbolizes—

• volleyball

• a second chance

• Ana's house

• a sleepless night

Multiple Choice

One hot summer day, a weary fox padded down a dusty road, desperate for food and drink. He had traveled for miles without finding so much as a berry to nibble or a puddle of water to sip from.Suddenly, a beautiful aroma filled the air. The fox sniffed and sniffed, his mouth watering in anticipation. Then he looked up. Several feet above him, trailing along a trellis, was a vine full of juicy grapes.The fox jumped up, but he could not reach them. Then he backed up, took a running start, and leaped as high as he could. Still, the grapes remained out of reach. Again and again, he tried, with no success.Finally, exhausted and faint from his efforts, the fox gave up and went on his way. "Oh, well," he sneered, "no big loss. I could tell those grapes were sour anyway."

In this passage, the grapes symbolize—

• a decision that is difficult to make

• a delicious, satisfying meal

• something that a person wants but can't have

• a desire to be happy and independent