AgendaAgenda1. ISU Silent Reading

2. Complete Figurative Language Handout

3. Symbolism Note

4. Read “The Scarlet Ibis”

5. Complete “The Scarlet Ibis” Handout

Symbols/SymbolismSymbols/Symbolism

DefinitionDefinition Symbol: Symbol: an object that represents, stands an object that represents, stands

for, or suggests an idea, belief or actionfor, or suggests an idea, belief or action

A symbol can come in the form of words, A symbol can come in the form of words, sounds, gestures, or visual images.sounds, gestures, or visual images.

Examples:Examples:

All language consists of symbols.All language consists of symbols.

A A symbolsymbol is something that stands for a is something that stands for a more more complex conceptcomplex concept..

It can be a sound, gesture, or written It can be a sound, gesture, or written character that character that representsrepresents an object, an object, action, event, or idea.action, event, or idea.

A symbol is the A symbol is the marriagemarriage of an of an abstractionabstraction to a to a concreteconcrete expression. expression.

Symbols can be used in comparisons, such Symbols can be used in comparisons, such as similes, metaphors, and synecdoche. as similes, metaphors, and synecdoche. A synecdoche is a A synecdoche is a figure of speechfigure of speech in which in which

the one of the following (or its reverse) is the one of the following (or its reverse) is expressed: expressed:  A part stands for a whole A part stands for a whole An individual stands for a class An individual stands for a class A material stands for a thingA material stands for a thing For example: A police officer represents the For example: A police officer represents the

law, a king/queen referred to as “the law, a king/queen referred to as “the crown”, “all hands on deck”, etc.crown”, “all hands on deck”, etc.

Common Symbols in Common Symbols in Literature:Literature:

ColoursColours

Water (religious, purification, death)Water (religious, purification, death)

Fire (anger, passion, pain)Fire (anger, passion, pain)

Night/Darkness (peace, evil, tranquility, Night/Darkness (peace, evil, tranquility, death, danger)death, danger)

Day/Light (new beginning, good)Day/Light (new beginning, good)