Identifying Use of Symbolism

Symbolism

Symbolism

• a symbol is when something is used to represent something else

• symbols can be used to represent something other than the object itself, abstract concepts, and multiple layers of meaning

• authors use symbolism to convey deeper meaning about a subject or topic

Multiple Choice

What is a symbol?

• a sign

• something representing something else

• an object

• characters in a story

Multiple Choice

Symbols represent...

• ...abstract concepts.
• ...layers of meaning.
• ...something other than the object itself.
• ...All of the above.

Multiple Choice

Why does an author use symbolism in their literary piece?

• To convey deeper meanings about a topic or subject

• To show the importance of symbols

Multiple Select

What did "Pinocchio" symbolize in "A Thousand Splendid Suns"?

• It symbolized that Nana lied to Mariam any chance she got about who she really was.

• Pinocchio was used to show how Mariam wanted to be real in Jalil's eyes.

• Pinocchio was used to represent Jalil

• It was used to represent the city of Kabul.

Practice

Practice identifying symbols and what they might represent in the following questions.

Multiple Choice

The writer describes a person in a jail yard intently watching a bird fly overhead. What might the bird be symbolizing?

• freedom

• knowledge

• the chosen one

• birth

Multiple Choice

After struggling to escape a hard life, a character is described as twirling around on a spring day surrounded by newly budding trees and blooming flowers. What might this passage symbolize?

• sadness that the new season has started

• excitement to hear the birds chirping

• optimism that life is restarting; representing a new birth

• disappointment that summer is so close

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."

Multiple Choice

_{In this passage, the grapes symbolize—}

• something that a person wants but can't have

• a desire to be happy and independent

• a delicious, satisfying meal

• a decision that is difficult to make

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—

• Ana's house

• volleyball

• a second chance

• a sleepless night