English Language Arts

1.15-1.16

ACT Prep “Take Me Outside to the Ball Game”

Questions 1- 5

Allusion In your notebooks, write the following:

Allusion-A direct or indirect reference to something historical, literary, religious or mythical. The author usually uses references understood by the audience such as events, books, myths, places, works of art, or even pop culture. Why Author’s Use It:To help people see unique

connections between two ideas, and to help the audience better understand a subject. They can be surprising and funny.

Allusions Examples:

“I was surprised his nose was not growing like Pinocchio’s.”

“I thought the software would be useful, but it was a Trojan Horse.”

“He was a real Romeo with the ladies.” “Chocolate was her Achilles’ heel.”

Video: While watching the video, write down what works the movie is alluding to.

Allusions- practice In your notebook: Find the allusions in the

following sentences. Write where they come from and explain what they mean. 1. He was so angry I expected him to turn green. 2 He was acting as a good Samaritan by helping the

old man weed his garden. 3. When dad lost his job, mom became a Scrooge,

and we never got to buy anything we wanted.

Symbolism When images or symbols in literature

represent something bigger and more meaningful A wedding ring symbolizes commitment A heart symbolizes love

Can exist within a character, an animal, the setting, etc.

Can symbolize something inside or outside the story A wedding ring might symbolize commitment in general,

but maybe the “dark and stormy night” symbolizes the man vs. man conflict of a character

What are these larger symbols for?

Purpose of Symbolism Symbols that are most commonly used and

evokes strong associations to the reader or observer because it is familiar.

Common Examples in Literature

Light suggests hope, renewal, or enlightenment

Darkness implies mystery, ignorance, or despair The battle of light and darkness will stretch beyond actual light and dark. The good (light) and bad (dark) can be seen through a story’s characters and their actions

Heaven vs. Hell

Typically Heaven is also associated with light and nature.

Hell is often associated with fire, demons, evil, and the unknown places of earth.

Death & Rebirth Examples

Winter, cold, and night suggest old age and the idea of death

Spring Time is associated with new life and hope for the future

Practice Make the following chart in your notebook. On

one side write the word and on the other side write what it could symbolize in literature. Word What does it

symbolize? The Color GreenThe color white/Pink/LightThe color grey/black/brownNightFall (Spring is birth and Winter is death…).

Let’s do this! “The Gift of the Magi” They Say/I say Chart