DEEPER LEVELS OF MEANINGSymbolism, Irony, and Theme

SYMBOLISM

A symbol is a person, place, thing, or event that stands both for itself and for something beyond itself.

The use of symbols in literature is called symbolism.

Writers may use symbols to Suggest layers of meaning to their work Emphasize the story’s theme Allow readers to form their own interpretations Speak forcefully to readers’ emotions and

imaginations

LOOKING FOR SYMBOLISM

To identify symbols, keep in mind that Symbols are a form of figurative language. Symbols usually have something to do with a

story’s theme.

Don’t look for symbols in everything you read. Not all writers use symbolism. Not all symbols are universal.

FROM ECOLOGY OF A CRACKER CHILDHOOD

How does the junkyard symbolize the conditions for Ray’s childhood and the natural landscape of rural South Georgia?

In relation to the golden kite and silver wind being dependent on each other, Ray does something similar. In the chapter, “Build a Fire”, how does the lightning and the longleaf pine come to “depend on each other” (page 38)?

REAL-LIFE EXAMPLE Red means different things

in different cultures:

China: good luck, celebration

Cherokees: success, triumph

India: purity South Africa: color of

mourning Russia: communism Eastern: worn by brides Western: excitement,

danger, passion, love, stop, Christmas (with green)

IRONY AND AMIBIGUITY

Irony is the contrast or discrepancy between expectation and reality: Used for surprise and to eliminate monotony in

story lines.

Verbal irony—when a speaker says one thing but means another; sometimes, sarcasm

Example: After reading Thomas’s report card with all Fs, Mrs. Capps said, “He’s a real Einstein.” This is also considered an allusion.

IRONY AND AMBIGUITY

Situational irony occurs when what actually happens is the opposite of what is expected—think of “The Necklace” and “The Gift of the Magi”.

Dramatic irony—when the audience or reader knows something the characters do not know. Often used in TV, plays, movies.

Ambiguity—leaves an element of uncertainty in a text, or readers can interpret the endings in multiple ways

IDENTIFYING EXAMPLES FROM READING

In “The Gift of the Magi”, what type of irony is present? Explain your answer.

THEME

Theme is the central idea or insight revealed by a work of literature. Theme gives meaning to the story by providing

some idea or insight about human life and nature.

Sometimes a work has several themes. Themes are often universal—they apply to

people everywhere because we all have common desires, needs and experiences.

THEME VS. MOTIF

Motif is a recurring subject, theme, idea, etc.

Motifs are recurring structures, contrasts, and literary devices that can help to develop and inform the text’s major themes.

Small-Town Life motif of old-fashioned, small-

town values, As if to contrast with all of the

suspense and moral grandeur of the book, Lee emphasizes the slow-paced, good-natured feel of life in Maycomb.

She often deliberately juxtaposes small-town values and evil images in order to examine more closely the forces of good and evil.

Bob Ewell’s cowardly attack on the defenseless Scout, who is dressed like a giant ham for the school pageant, shows him to be unredeemably evil.

THEME VS. SUBJECT

The subject is what the story is about.

The subject of “A Sound of Thunder” is hunting and time travel.

The theme is what the subject means.

One possible theme for “A Sound of Thunder” is that…one small decision can lead to unforeseen consequences.

Subject Theme

WHERE IS THE THEME?

A story’s theme is usually not stated directly.

All elements of the story help make up the theme.

Example: Brenda is athletic and

wants her brother to excel in sports.

She is disappointed when her brother shows more interest in music than in sports.

After hearing her brother give a great solo performance, she decides to support and encourage his musical talents.

Theme: Allowing someone to pursue his or her own interests is more rewarding than trying to force someone to enjoy a specific activity.

STATING A STORY’S THEME

Use at least one complete sentence to state the theme.

Incorrect: “forgiveness”

Correct: “The theme is that people need to forgive past mistakes in order to move on and be happy.”

STATING A STORY’S THEME

Express the theme as a generalization about human life or human nature. Do NOT refer to specific characters or events in the work. Incorrect: “The tie that Paul received from his

father was one of his most treasured possessions.”

Correct: “Simple, everyday objects can have great value to the people who own them.”

STATING A STORY’S THEME

Remember that there’s more than one way to state a story’s theme. Different people may interpret a story differently. You may even find several themes in one story.

FROM ECOLOGY OF A CRACKER CHILDHOOD

In “Shame”, why does Ray see the importance of “turning back to embrace the past”?

Let’s turn this into a theme.