Identifying and Using Symbolism

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

What does this path symbolize?

• knowledge

• death

• journey

• joy

What does this season symbolize?

• death

• truth

• transitions

• new life

What would a bridge most likely symbolize?

• emptiness

• knowledge

• a connection

• bravery

The main character in a story has had a hard life. The last chapter shows a picture of her twirling around on a spring day surrounded by newly budding trees and blooming flowers. How is the character feeling at this point? 

• sad that the new season has started
• excited to hear the birds chirping
• like her life is restarting; representing a new birth
• that summer is close

The author wants a picture of a stack of books with an apple sitting on top of them as the cover of his novel. What does the apple represent?

• fruit
• hunger
• knowledge
• power

What is symbolism?

• exaggerating an idea

• a person, place, object, or activity that stands for something beyond itself

• using like or as to compare unlike things

• giving human characteristics to animals or objects

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

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—

• 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

What does the apple symbolize in the image

• Snow White's death and destruction
• Snow White's beauty and charm