Symbolism - Universal Examples

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

Which of the following is NOT an example of a universal symbol?

• peace sign

• heart

• skull

• add another

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.

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

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