Symbolism and Theme in Poetry

Symbolism can be described as all of these EXCEPT which?

• An object that represents another object

• A concrete object that represents an abstract idea

• Meaning beyond the obvious

• Can be a motif, color, action, or character

Choose the best answer. A symbol is:

• can be a person or thing

• a person, place, action, object, or idea that stands for something

• a drawing or object

• always represented in fiction

Choose the best answer. Theme is:

• a central message or insight into life

• a symbol of rebirth

• the meaning behind the meaning

• how to make connections, directly or indirectly

WHAT IS THE SYMBOL IN THIS POEM?

"I give to you this red, red rose

That’s newly sprung in June;

May it connect us like a melody

That’s sweetly played in tune."

• rose

• June

• melody

• connection

WHAT IS THE SYMBOL IN THIS POEM?

"Hold on to dreams

For if dreams die

Life is a broken-winged bird

That cannot fly"

• death

• dreams

• life

• bird

WHAT IS THE SYMBOL IN THIS POEM?

"Stand tall, oh mighty oak, for all the world to see. Your strength and undying beauty forever amazes me. Though storm clouds hover above you, Your branches span the sky."

• beauty

• standing

• oak

• forever

What might a "storm" symbolize?

• A difficult time

• Thunder and lightning

• A party

• Cold weather

Which of the following symbols might represent a fresh start?

• A dove

• A shovel

• Rainbow

• Gold

Which of the following symbols might represent a broken relationship?

• A Siberian Tiger

• Shattered glass

• Fire

• Stars

Why do authors and story-tellers use symbols?

• To add interest to a literature

• They lighten the tone of literature

• to convey something that adds deeper meaning

• To confuse the reader