THE OUTSIDERS SYMBOLIS M OBJECTIVES To define and

THE OUTSIDERS SYMBOLIS M OBJECTIVES: • To define and analyze symbolism • To interpret symbolism within a novel

Symbolism in Literature Symbolism – used in literature when one thing is meant to represent something else Helps create meaning and emotion an object that stands for itself and a greater idea.

Symbolism in Literature EXAMPLES: 1. chain can symbolize the coming together of two things. 2. A storm occurring when there is a conflict or high emotions 3. Transition from day to night might represent a move from goodness to evil 4. Star Wars – Lightsabers - Good and Evil is represented by color; green being the light/Jedi side and red the dark side

Symbolism is used to… Provide meaning beyond the obvious: Emphasize key ideas or themes: A river can represent the flow of life… … or its depth may represent the unknown… … the water might be purity… … or there could be dangers beneath the surface.

CHAPTER 3 - 4 Symbolism in THE OUTSIDERS Blue Mustang • division of class • symbol of the economic inequalities between the socs and the greasers • When the Mustang is present in the plot, it always brings conflict. This shows that the economic divide is a major source of conflict between the two groups. The soc’s car shows their wealth, while the greasers consistently traveling on foot, vulnerable to attack, shows their poverty. © Presto Plans

CHAPTER 3 - 4 SYMBOLISM Rings • Bob’s rings symbolize economic inequalities; socs have more opportunities • brings the conflict to a new level as it also symbolizes how wealth (rings) can be used as a weapon © Presto Plans

CHAPTER 3 - 4 SYMBOLISM Hair • The greasers’ hair represents the greasers as a unified group • they use their hair as an identifying symbol © Presto Plans

Switchblade • Disregard for authority • Represents a sense of individual power • Potential for conflict • “hood”

Sunset • Represents that both socs and greasers are really not that different

REVIEW: • What is symbolism? • What are some examples? • What do they mean?