Exploring Symbolism

Symbolism

The meaning beyond the meaning

Poll

How do you feel about symbolism?

• I've heard of it but don't know it

• I know it and can explain it to others.

Symbolism is….
The use of symbols to represent
ideas or qualities.

Literal vs. Symbolic (Figurative)

A symbol has two meanings:

The literal component - it is what
it is

&

The symbolic (figurative)
component - the meaning
beyond the literal that must be
figured out
Literally, a heart drawing

Symbolically, love

Open Ended

What is a symbol that you know?

Draw each image in your notebook (the best you can)

Literally:

Symbolically:

Literally:

Symbolically:

Literally:

Symbolically:

Symbols

A symbol becomes a symbol when it is
emphasized or used repeatedly.

“The Most Dangerous Game”

Island - isolation
Jungle - danger

Romeo & Juliet

Dagger - death
Ring (given to Romeo from
Juliet) - proof of love

Common or Conventional Symbols:

These can be things that show up in everyday life such as:

Literally - red octagon
Symbolically - STOP

Literally - emoji with eyes
closed and ZZ
Symbolically - tired

Literally - hand
with index and
middle finger up
Symbolically -
peace

Let’s figure out another common (recent) symbol

1. Literally (What is it?):

2. Symbolically (What does it do?):

3. S0 when you see this logo, the

symbolic meaning is:

Symbols in Literature

Literature can use common symbols as well as
symbols that are specific to the story itself.

For example: in the book Lord of the Flies, the characters start a rule that If you
are holding the conch shell, then you are allowed to speak. So the conch shell
itself become a symbol for communication. (Literally, a shell/ Symbolically,
communication)

American Sign Language and character languages such as Japanese are examples of symbol languages.

​Languages

There are many symbols in literature that have come from the bible. Ex: apple = knowledge; snake = evil

The Bible/ Religious Text

Other Symbol Stuff