UNIT 4

C.P. 9 Lecture Notes

Symbolism

What is a symbol? Often an ordinary object, event, person, or

animal to which we attach unusual meaning and significance. For example:

Skull and crossbones represents a symbol of danger or poison

Red roses represents a symbol of love

Lion represents a symbol of power and courage

Crown represents a symbol of royalty

Symbolism

Where do symbols come from? handed down or inherited over time invented by someone or something

For example: our school symbol – dawg print / Scottie head

However, we may not know the origin of many symbols, including common ones.

Writers often take a new object, character, or event and make it the embodiment of some human concern.

Why use symbols?

Why don’t writers just come right out and say what they mean rather than using symbols? Symbols allow writers to suggest various

types of meanings. Sometimes, literal statements can’t explain

what something means on the same level that a symbol can.

Symbols may also allow for creativity and imagination. You may remember the symbols, even long after

forgetting parts of the story.

Allegory

What is an allegory? An allegory is a story in which characters, settings,

and actions stand for something beyond themselves.

There is a literal meaning AND a figurative or symbolic meaning.

Allegories are often intended to teach a moral lesson or to make a comment about goodness.

For example: George Orwell’s Animal FarmFor example: Poe’s “Masque of the Red

Death” Characters and situations stand for something bigger

Seven colored rooms = seven deadly sins, stages of life, etc.

The Red Death = The Bubonic Plague / Black Death Can have symbols inside an allegory:

Prince Prospero = represents wealth or greed

Symbolism Practice…

1.) Identify what you think the items below stand for, symbolically.

2.) Then, explain: why is this symbol appropriate for what it stands for? A snake An eagle Spring An owl A white flag A heart The color green The American flag

3.) Be prepared to discuss your answers.

Allegory Practice…

Read the following poem and answer the question below.

I May, I Might, I MustIf you will tell me why the fen appears impassable, I then will tell you why I think that I can get across it if I try. – Marianne Moore

• Literal meaning of a fen: A fen is a swampy place.• What do you believe the fen symbolizes in this

poem?• Be prepared to discuss your answer.