symbolism in the outsiders. literary symbolism “without symbolism there can be no literature;...
TRANSCRIPT
Literary Symbolism
• “Without symbolism there can be no literature; indeed, not even language. What are words themselves but symbols”– Arthur Symons
Symbol
• Something – a person, object, situation or action which operates on two levels:
• the literal and the symbolic
• For instance, an engagement ring is a real object
But it also stands for the abiding love of the engaged couple
• All language is symbolizing one thing or another.
• A symbol is a word or object that stands for another word or object.
• The object or word can be seen with the eye or not visible
• For example, a dove stands for Peace
• The dove can be seen and peace cannot
• When reading the book of Genesis in the bible, you will find several symbols.
• In the story of Adam and Eve, when Eve ate the apple, the apple stood for sin.
a flag for country (“the flag”)
Go Hogs!Red Razorback for the University of Arkansas
an X at the end of a letter for a kiss XXX (“smack!”)
“spring” as the symbol of new beginnings
a slash line through a sign for NO, as in “No Parking”
More conventional symbols which may be expressed as words or pictures:
FLAGS – symbolize a nation
U.S. flag is a symbol of our nation, but it also stands for freedom, liberty, and patriotism
UNCLE SAM - also a symbol for the U.S.
When we see symbols in literature, they are expected to have significance.
Symbols in literature are expected to have significance
• What symbols are evident in the novel we are reading, The Outsiders?
• Have you noticed the following symbols?
Greasers
• The switchblade represents strength and power.
• The Greasers, the lower class, felt safer when carrying this defense.
• It was their choice of weapon against harm that may come from the opposing social group, the Socs.
Socs
• The blue Mustang represents the upper class Socs. It stands for money power and authority.
• It was Bob’s rings, symbols of wealth, that were used to cut up Johnny’s face so badly the day he was left for dead.
• A symbol of the lower class• Many Greasers started smoking at an early age • It made them feel older and helped them to fit
into their group.• Later it became a way of passing time and
keeping calm.
The drive in movie theatre was a place where the Greasers and the Socs shared the same turf. Both social groups enjoyed the theatre together. It was a place where they
could co-exist.
The horse represents innocence. Soda’s horse, Mickey Mouse, connects the boys to youth. Soda enjoyed the horse as a young boy. When the horse was sold, Soda was devastated. He shared a special bond with the horse that he could not again duplicate.
• The church was a safe haven for both Ponyboy and Johnny.
• It was a hideout for them as they were hiding from their crime.
• It was a place that allowed them to be themselves and reflect on their lives.
• Later, it was the burning church that allowed them to show their true colors.
So What?
• So now that we know about the symbols… SO WHAT?
• Why did S.E. Hinton deliberately (on purpose) use these particular symbols?
• What purpose do they serve in the novel?