Write down what each of these symbols stand for. Why do you think they have taken on the meanings they have?

justice luck love

Bell Work Part 1: Where Do We Get Symbols?

Part 2: How would you describe the girl in the picture and why?

Bell Work

• On a piece of scrap paper or in your notebook, draw a symbol that could be recognized throughout the U.S. or the world. DO NOT write its meaning; that will be for us to figure out.

• Make sure the drawing is large.

Writers use symbols to

• suggest layers of meaning that a simple, literal statement could never convey

• speak more powerfully to the reader’s emotions and imagination

• make their stories rich and memorable

Symbols in Literature

A symbol is an ordinary object, event, person, or animal to which we have attached a special meaning.

What Is a Symbol?

Symbolism is when the author uses an object or reference to add deeper meaning to a story. Symbolism in literature can be subtle or obvious, used sparingly or heavy-handedly. An author may repeatedly use the same object to convey deeper meaning or may use variations of the same object to create an overarching mood or feeling. Symbolism is often used to support a literary theme in a subtle manner.

What Is Symbolism in Literature?

What Are Some Examples of Symbolism?

The following are common symbols used in literary works:• Symbols referring to damnation: Fire, flames, heat, hot

temperatures• Symbols referring to salvation: Crosses, angels, haloes,

clouds, churches• Symbols referring to reincarnation or reinvention: Phoenix

rising from flames, crosses, rainbows, passing storms, dawn, sunrise, broken chains

• Symbols referring to death or endings: Gravestones, cemeteries, Grim Reaper, Day of the Dead, skulls, candle blowing out, coffin, ringing of bell

To what might these symbols refer?

To what might this refer?

• He sat down and thought about the mountain ahead of him. He would climb it, of this he was sure.– What if it’s not REALLY a mountain? What COULD

it be?

RECAP!•What is a symbol?

•What does it mean in literature?

•Why do authors use symbolism?

•What are two common examples of literary symbolism?

Symbolism Activity with your partner next to you - 10 minutes

• With your partner next to you read the song given to you.

• Circle/ underline words that you see are being used as symbols.

• In the margin write what they symbolize- remember it is when an ordinary object, event, person, or animal is used to represent something more than just its literal meaning – ex) Fire usually symbolizes hell

Characterization

• Characterization is the process by which the writer reveals the personality of a character.

Methods of CharacterizationThere are four ways an author

lets the reader know what a character in a piece of literature is like.

1. speech and behavior2. inner thoughts and feelings3. physical traits and characteristics4. other’s opinions and reactions

Speech and Behavior

The character is revealed through his or her own speech and actions.

Examples: • Joe reacted quickly and jumped into the river

to save his little brother. • He grabbed the man and yelled, “give me your

money!”

Inner Thoughts and Feelings

The character is revealed through private thoughts.

Examples: • Allison knew she should have given money

to the homeless man, and felt very bad about it.

• Kim felt impatient with her sister for being late.

Physical Traits and Characteristics

The writer describes how the character looks, dresses, and appears.

Examples: • He was a tall boy with blonde hair and brown eyes. • The woman was wearing a beautiful blue gown

with a pearl necklace.• His eyes were as cold as stone.

Other’s Opinion and ReactionsThe writer reveals what other characters in

the story say or think about the character.

Examples: • “The new girl in school seems very nice,”

said Jessica happily. • “Nathan is awesome at soccer,” remarked

the fan, “he made two goals during the game.”

Checking for UnderstandingIdentify the correct method of characterization used and write it

down.

1. I suddenly had this crazy feeling like I wanted to bolt from the car and run through the fields until I couldn’t run anymore. What method for Paul?

inner thoughts and feelings2. Erik was sitting in one of the chairs. He waved

casually to Mom. He ignored Me. What method for Erik?

speech and behavior

3. “Trying to get in to see Old Charley Burn.” He looked at me. “He’s a real character. You’ll have to meet him. Spends half his life at the stock car races. He’s crazy about stock-car racing.”

What method for Old Charlie Burns? other’s opinions and reactions

4. I thought to myself, OK, here we are. How long did it take Dad to get to his favorite topic, the Erik Fisher Football Dream?

What method for Paul? inner thoughts and feelings

5. He didn’t look to be much older than Erik. He had on knee-high black-and-yellow boots, a pair of cutoff shorts, and a white shirt that had TANGERINE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT-WAYNE written over the breast pocket.

What method for Wayne? physical traits and characteristics

RECAP!

• What are the four ways to develop a character?

• Direct Characterization is– When the traits are explicitly written for the

audience; you are TOLD.

• Indirect Characterization is– When the traits are implicit to the audience; you are

SHOWN.

Quick Practice!

Direct or Indirect Characterization? How do you know?•Jaime opened the letter. Soon the words just looked like blurs on the page and he realized he was crying. Not long after, he slumped down to the floor in a heap.

Direct or Indirect Characterization? How do you know?•George walked away from the bully fuming; his laser beam gaze striking everyone in sight.

Character Activity! (15min)

• With your partner, complete the characterization worksheet handed to you.

• Follow the directions carefully.

• REMEMBER: Keep each other on task! I am keeping track!