SYMBOLISM Where Do We Get Symbols What does

SYMBOLISM

Where Do We Get Symbols? What does each of these symbols stand for? Why do you think they have taken on the meanings they have? justice love luck

Symbols in Literature Writers use symbols to • suggest layers of meaning that a simple, literal statement could never convey • speak more powerfully to the reader’s emotions and imagination • make their stories rich and memorable

What Is a Symbol? A symbol is an ordinary object, event, person, or animal to which we have attached a special meaning.

HENRY FUSELI DAVID FRIEDRICH GUSTAVE MOREAU ODILON REDON • Symbolism is a 19 th-century movement in which art became infused with exaggerated sensitivity and a spooky mysticism. It was a continuation of the Romantic tradition, which included such artists as John Henry Fuseli and Caspar David Friedrich. •

What Is Symbolism in Literature? Symbolism is when the author uses an object or reference to add deeper meaning to a story. Symbolism in literature can be subtle or obvious, used sparingly or heavy-handedly. An author may repeatedly use the same object to convey deeper meaning or may use variations of the same object to create an overarching mood or feeling. Symbolism is often used to support a literary theme in a subtle manner.

What Are Some Examples of Symbolism? • • The following are common symbols used in literary works: Symbols referring to damnation: Fire, flames, heat, hot temperatures Symbols referring to salvation: Crosses, angels, haloes, clouds, churches Symbols referring to reincarnation or reinvention: Phoenix rising from flames, crosses, rainbows, passing storms, dawn, sunrise, broken chains Symbols referring to death or endings: Gravestones, cemeteries, Grim Reaper, Day of the Dead, skulls, candle blowing out, coffin, ringing of bell

More Examples of Symbols • Dove : peace, purity, simplicity • Fox : slyness, cleverness • Raven : death, destruction; they often play prophetic roles or function as a conductor of the soul • Lion : a solar symbol, power, pride • Serpent/Snake : temptation, evil • Hawk : sharp, keen eyesight

How Do Writers Use Symbolism? Writers insert symbols into their writing to allude to a feeling, mood or attitude without directly stating the perspective or mood intended. Symbolism is supplemental to the story.

Symbols within The Fault in our Stars • Cigarette: – control and power • "They don't kill you unless you light them, " he said as Mom arrived at the curb. "And I've never lit one. It's a metaphor, see: You put the killing thing right between your teeth, but you don't give it the power to do its killing. " (Green 122)

Symbols within The Fault in our Stars • Water: – Suffering (both negative and positive) • “A desert blessing, an ocean curse. ”

Symbols within The Fault in our Stars • Grenade: – death and suffering • “I'm a grenade and at some point I'm going to blow up and I would like to minimize the casualties, okay? ” (Green 72).

Symbols within The Fault in our Stars • An Imperial Affliction: – healing power of fiction • “Augustus nodded at the screen. ‘Pain demands to be felt, ’ he said, which was a line from An Imperial Affliction. ”

Collaborative Leaning Group Activity • Now, we are going to continue to explore themes within The Fault in our Stars and start to make deeper connections!

“Grab Bag Activity” • Identify your found item and summarize the content briefly. • State theme, theme topic, event, conflict, or character your item connects to (you can state more than one). • Explain the connection to the novel – Characters, setting, events, theme, symbolism, conflict, etc. ,