wayground logo

Free Printable Worksheets

Font size

S
M
L
XL
Worksheets

Symbols and Allegory

Total questions: 15

Worksheet time: 16mins

Name
Class
Date
1.

Hold fast to dreams

For if dreams die

Life is a broken-winged bird

That cannot fly.

Hold fast to dreams

For when dreams go

Life is a barren field

Frozen with snow


What does the broken winged bird symbolize?

a)

goals that you have met

b)

nightmare

c)

unfulfilled dreams

d)

life

2.

We wear the mask that grins and lies,

It hides our cheeks and shades our eyes,

This debt we pay to human guile;

With torn and bleeding hearts we smile


What does the mask symbolize?

a)

a disguise

b)

hidden emotion

c)

grins and lies

d)

a covering for all or part of the face,

3.

What does it mean to read "allegorically"?

a)

Read an allegory

b)

Take the words of the story to mean exactly and only what they say

c)

Take the words of a story as a hidden message for something else

d)

Read quickly

4.

What does it mean to read "literally"?

a)

Use your eyes to read

b)

Take the words of the story to mean exactly and only what they say

c)

Take the words of a story as a hidden message for something else

d)

Read from a book

5.
An allegory is...
a)
...a story that represents something beyond itself.
b)
...when the characters or story represent historical events.
c)
...represent abstract or moral ideas.
d)
...All of the above.
6.
Literary work in which characters and events are used to represent abstract concepts; a highly symbolic work.
a)
Allusion
b)
Analogy
c)
Allegory
d)
Assonance
7.

Allegory must include

a)

symbolism

b)

irony

c)

allusion

d)

hyperbole

8.

Symbolism allows writers to...

a)

...convey layers of meaning.

b)

...take a break from typing so much.

c)

...turn on their headphones while they type.

d)

...play Solitaire.

9.

Storm symbolizes

a)

a change from good to evil

b)

flow of life

c)

new beginnings

d)

trouble

10.

A rose with thorns is admirable to the eye, but can cause pain if it is not handled correctly.

Which of the following in the best symbolic explanation for the above statement?

a)

Roses are pretty but can cut you with its thorns

b)

A girl may be beautiful on the outside and beautiful on the inside

c)

Friendships are great to have and are always desirable.

d)

People can desire a relationship but if they are unfaithful in the relationship they will cause their partner pain

11.

Symbol or Allegory: A mountain that represents hardships or obstacles

a)

Symbol

b)

Allegory

12.

Symbol or Allegory: A story where a bull chooses his battles, showing the idea that not every fight is a good idea

a)

Symbol

b)

Allegory

13.

Symbol or Allegory: A story where a tortoise beats a hare in a race, showing the idea that hard work pays off

a)

Symbol

b)

Allegory

14.

Which animal symbolizes wisdom and knowledge?

a)

Mouse

b)

Rabbit

c)

Owl

d)

Monkey

15.

Compare and Contrast Allegory vs. Symbolism: Which of the following is the correct contrast AND comparison?

a)

Contrast: Allegory can be a word, place, character, or object that means something beyond what is on a literal level. A symbol involves many interconnected allegorical figures in such a way that nearly every element of the narrative has meaning beyond the literal. Comparison: Both allegory and symbols show the meaning of a story.

b)

Comparison: Both allegory and symbols show the meaning of a story.

c)

Comparison: Both symbols and allegories can reveal ideas or meaning beyond the literal level. Contrast: a symbol can be a word, place, character, or object meaning something beyond its literal meaning. An allegory is a story in which everything is a symbol that relates to other symbols within the story to teach a moral lesson.

d)

Contrast: a symbol can be a word, place, character, or object meaning something beyond its literal meaning. An allegory is a story in which everything is a symbol that relates to other symbols within the story to teach a moral lesson.