SYMBOLISM FINDING ABSTRACT MEANING LITERATURE DENOTATION the literal

SYMBOLISM FINDING ABSTRACT MEANING LITERATURE

DENOTATION: • the literal or primary meaning of a word, in contrast to the feelings or ideas that the word suggests. • Rose = A flower with a thorny stem.

CONNOTATION: • an idea or feeling that a word invokes in addition to its literal or primary meaning. • Rose = Love, romance, beauty

A SYMBOL IS… an object that stands for itself (denotation) and a greater idea (connotation). We see symbols every day…

SYMBOLISM IN LITERATURE • An author may use a symbol in a piece of writing to bring deeper meaning or a certain mood to the story. • Sometimes it’s easy to spot, sometimes it can be tricky. • Sometimes a symbol can have multiple interpretations, it’s your job to choose the best one.

SYMBOLISM COMES IN MANY FORMS • Objects: • Characters • The American flag • The Ugly Duckling – Real object – Symbol for United States – Represents freedom – Represents a nation as a whole – A character – A symbol for selfconsciousness and insecurity – Represents theme of acceptance

SYMBOLISM COMES IN MANY FORMS • Colors • Setting – Red • A thunderstorm – What does it symbolize? • What does it symbolize?

Animals Clothing OTHER ELEMENTS THAT CAN BE SYMBOLIC: Words or phrases Imagery Many more! • **If something is repeated multiple times, seems out of place, has multiple cultural meanings (owl = intelligence), it’s probably a symbol!

WHAT IS USUALLY HAPPENING IN A STORY WHEN: THERE IS A STORM? IT IS A BRIGHT SUNNY DAY? This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA

What does a snake represent in general? HARRY POTTER HAS TONS OF SYMBOLISM… What does a snake represent in Harry Potter? Evil, scary, poison, etc. Slytherin House, Voldemort How do these things go together? There is a good reason the snakes represent Slytherin!

EXAMPLE (THINK OF WHAT THESE COLORS REPRESENT) Losing him was blue like I'd never known Missing him was dark gray all alone Forgetting him was like trying to know somebody you never met But loving him was red Oh red Burning red