l ooking for s ymbolism. symbolism as commentary often times an author would like to make a comment...
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LLooking ooking for for
SSymbolismymbolism
Symbolism as CommentarySymbolism as Commentary
Often times an author would like to make a comment on the world or society in general. Symbolism allows the author to comment and or relate to generalized issues without disrupting plot or character’s arcs.
Symbolism variety of meaningSymbolism variety of meaning
Personal – meaning that is uniquely associated with our experiences as an individual. (the reader)
Contextual – private meaning created by the author and is expressed in the diction and ideas of a piece of work.
SymbolismSymbolismvariety of meaningvariety of meaning
Cultural -- Meaning uniquelyinfluenced by the current culture. • Example: Dogs represent faithfulness in China while in
India and South Asia they are symbolic of impurity.
Universal – a meaning that is given to a
thing by most people and cultures.
• Example: Lions suggest deity, power and courage in many cultures.
Why is Symbolism used?Why is Symbolism used?
• Symbolism sets up relationships.
• Symbolism establishes an arrangement of various parts of the whole to tie things together.
• Does the symbolism exist for more than the beauty of the diction? Ornamentation.
• Does the symbolism appeal to the senses, emotion, or to the intellect?
What do you do when asked to identify and
explain symbolism in a piece of literature?
First, begin by making make a list of potential
symbols.
Steps to figure out SymbolismSteps to figure out Symbolism
Eliminate all incomprehensible symbolic idea from the list. From a list of ten items reduce the list to the strongest three. Strongest means the symbols you are best able to create persuasive arguments for.
For each symbol follow the following steps. Make a written display (graphic organizer) that connects ideas to one another – example: a Venn diagram.
Analysis of SymbolismAnalysis of Symbolism
What relationships does the object or idea connect to in the story. To characters, to situations, to universal truths.
What personal reaction does one have to the symbol both within and outside of the context of the story.
Analysis of SymbolismAnalysis of SymbolismIs there direct or indirect connections between lines of dialog or actions within a scene or the entire work.
Are there meanings outside of literature that brings other meanings to the symbol?
Is there historical ideas connected to the symbol?
Are there societal, scientific national ideas connected to the symbol?
Symbols in Symbols in the Heat of the Nightthe Heat of the Night
• “The Slap”• Virgil’s wallet• Sparta• The train whistle• They call me Mr. Tibbs• The Chief’s gum• Delores Purty• Mississippi• The Pie• Cotton field• The four young men who
attack Virgil• Endicott’s orchid
• Gillespie touches the Black Jockey
• Gillespie spits out the gum- after the mayor say, “Our last sheriff would have shot Tibbs one second after he slapped Endicott”.
• The Cock’s crow• Fern root• The cemetery• Song Foul Owl on the Prowl
tied to image of Ralph• “You are just like the rest of
us?”• The train• Gillespie’s carries Virgil’s
bag.
Write a complete five paragraph essay about the symbolism you discovered in In the Heat of the Night. How does Norman Jewison’s (The Director) use of symbolism show his perception of the dual nature of the black/white relationship and America in the middle of the 20th century.
In the Heat of the NightIn the Heat of the Night AssignmentAssignment