SYMBOLISM A lonely roadwhat could it be symbolic

SYMBOLISM A lonely road…what could it be symbolic of? ? ?

• A symbol is “a thing that suggests more than its literal meaning” (Kennedy & Gioia 217).

Symbolism A person, object, image, word or event that can have more than one meaning beyond and usually more abstract than its literal significance. (link)

SYMBOLS • Two types: –Literary –Conventional • (link)

Literary Symbols • Can be a setting, character, action, object, name etc… • Keeps its literal importance while suggesting other meanings. • They gain their symbolic meaning within the context of a specific story. (link)

Conventional Symbols • Have meanings that are widely recognized by a society or culture. • Writers use conventional symbols for reinforcing meanings. (link)

SYMBOLS MAY BE EXPRESSED AS WORDS OR PICTURES A flag for country (“the flag”) Red Razorback for the University of Arkansas An X at the end of a letter for a kiss XXX (“smack!”) “Spring” as the symbol of new beginnings A slash line through a sign for NO, as in “No Parking. ”

You’ve seen symbols… • A dove is typically a symbol of peace • A skull and crossbones is a symbol of danger • A crow is often a symbol of death • A heart is a symbol of love • A light bulb is a symbol of understanding or getting an idea

You’ve seen symbols in words… • “Thank You, Ma’am” • The blue suede shoes symbolize Roger’s love of material possessions…his immaturity is shown as well. • “Sound of Thunder” • The butterfly Eckels steps on symbolizes the fragility of nature, and how man inevitably destroys things when he tinkers…

Or these? • “Gift of the Magi” • Della’s hair represents her endless beauty. • Jim’s watch represents his close ties to family. • “The Lady, or the Tiger? ” • The arena symbolizes the king’s warped sense of justice. • The lady symbolizes innocence and freedom, while the tiger symbolizes guilt and punishment.

Our Turn! • We will be drawing a symbolic portrait of one of our recent subplot characters. – Miss Katherine Barlow or Kissin Kate – Sam – Trout Walker

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