Symbolism and Allegory Signs of something more 1

Symbolism and Allegory Signs of something more…

1. Symbol Meaning – something that functions in a way one would expect, but also represents something else • Usually stands for something abstract • Difference between literary and social symbols • Social symbols: signs, flags, religious symbols • Literary symbols: can be social symbols, but more likely are objects or characteristics that are given symbolic meaning by the context in which the author places them.

2. Public Symbols Meaning – Symbols that are culturally recognized What do these public symbols represent?

3. Allegory Meaning – A story in which characters and places stand for virtues and vices (good and bad). Almost every element has meaning beyond the literal level. Example: • Animal Farm – a political allegory about Communism • The Pilgrim’s Progress – a cultural allegory about Christianity

4. Fables Meaning – A type of allegory that uses animal characters to teach a practical lesson Examples: • The Tortoise and the Hare • What was the lesson? • The Boy Who Cried Wolf • What was the lesson?

5. Parable Meaning – A type of allegory that uses an ordinary everyday situation to teach a moral lesson Examples: • The Good Samaritan

Why use symbols? • Symbols are used to move the reader • Examples: • The Good Samaritan • Cinderella’s glass slipper • Symbols are easily remembered or recognized • Examples: • Flags

Identifying Symbols 1. Symbols are often visual. • Ex. The different types of houses in The Three Little Pigs 2. Symbols often appear throughout a story. • Ex. The White Rabbit from Alice in Wonderland 3. Symbols are a form of figurative language 4. Symbols often relate to the story’s theme