Symbolism

Allegory

Allusion

The nature of evil

The role of society

Dystopia

inLord of the Flies

By William Golding

Symbolism

Today you will . . .

• Comprehend the difference between literal and figurative and apply these concepts to symbolism and allegory

• Explain what a symbol is; comprehend the difference between universal and personal symbols; create a personal symbol

Literal vs. Figurative

1. literal• The literal meaning of a story is the actual meaning. It is

the most obvious meaning2. figurative• The symbolic, suggested meaning

Symbolism

• something used for or regarded as representing something else

• a material object representing something, often something immaterial; emblem, token, or sign.

A symbol in literature is a sign which has further layers of meaning. In other words, a symbol means more than it literally says.

What does this symbolize?

What does this symbolize

What does this symbolize?

What does this symbolize?

What does this symbolize?

What does this symbolize?

Interpretation of Symbols

Universal and Cultural Personal

A Symbol Can Be . . .

• Universal – most people anywhere in the world would recognize it.

• Cultural—the people in a particular culture would recognize it, but those outside the culture may not.

• Personal—developed by an author, artist, etc. to specifically represent something.

Homework

• Write down another universal symbol and another cultural symbol. Explain what it means.

• Create your own personal symbol with an explanation.

Today you will . . .

• Comprehend what an allegory is• Analyze “Little Red Riding Hood as an allegory• Analyze a quote as an allegory• Comprehend what an allusion is• Create an allusion

Allegory

Allegorya work in which the characters and events . . .

• represent other people or events in history• represent concepts, such as virtues, war,

communism• symbolically express a deeper, often spiritual,

moral, or political meaning

An allegory can beunderstood on two levels:

• LITERAL

• FIGURATIVE

“Little Red Riding Hood”Level One: Literal

• Little Red Riding Hood:

a little girl

• The wolfa dangerous, wild creature

• The woodsmana strong, brave working man

“Little Red Riding Hood”Level 2: Figurative

• Little Red Riding Hood:Innocence

• The wolf:Evil

• The woodsman:Society’s sense ofmoral justice

“It is better to be a living dog than a dead lion.”

-- Ecclesiastes (9.4)

Ecclesiastes uses the literal significance of "dog" and "lion," coupled with their cultural associations, to refer to conditions of human life.

Allegory

lion

• Literal meaning: a four-legged mammal with sharp teeth

• Cultural association: the lion is noble, strong, courageous

• Symbolic meaning:

dog

• Literal meaning: a four-legged mammal with sharp teeth

• Cultural association: the dog is ordinary, weak, cowardly

• Symbolic meaning:

Breaking it Down

• the literal meaning of "lion" and "dog"--two different species of mammal

• the cultural associations of both animals--the lion is noble, strong, courageous; the dog is ordinary, weak, cowardly.

• the application to human character: The cultural associations are transferred from dogs and lions to human beings; the application makes a point about life.

the application to human character:The cultural associations are transferred from dogs and lions to human beings; the application makes a point about life.

“It is better to be a living dog than a dead lion.”

It is better to be a coward and stay alive than be brave and die because of your bravery.

Examples of Other Allegories

• Edmund Spenser's “The Faerie Queene” --– several knights stand for virtues like friendship, truth

and justice

• Animal Farm by George Orwell—– the animals stand for real people and the events real

events in the Russian Revolution– the animals and events represent all people during all

tyrannies

Allusion

Allusion (NOT “illusion”)

• A brief, usually indirect reference to a person, place, or event--real or fictional.

• According to their content, allusions may be historical, cultural, mythological, literary, political, or private.

• Allusions add a depth of meaning.

Examples of Allusions

Direct• He’s as strong as

Hercules.• Hey, Einstein!• She is as loyal as Lady

Macbeth.

Indirect• The title of Robert Frost’s

poem “Out, Out--,” is an allusion to Macbeth’s speech about life's shortness after Lady Macbeth dies: “Out, out, brief candle!"

Allusion

• Create an allusion and then explain it.

When during a conversation you allude to something, you

are making a reference to that something without

directly stating it.

Respond tothis question . . .

How are an allegory and symbolism similar?

Themesfor Lord of the Flies

•What is the nature of evil?• Does a lack or disintegration of

society cause injustice?

What’s the difference between a Utopia and a Dystopia?

Utopia Dystopia

For Homework . . .

1. Answer both of the thematic questions and explain your responses: A.) What is the nature of evil? B.) Does a lack or disintegration of society lead to injustice?

2. Describe your utopia. What would it look like? Would there be laws, and if so, what kind? How would you get your food and clothing and other goods? Would everyone be treated equally? Would there be schools?