1. Symbolism and Theme in Literature
Secondary 2-Enriched English

2. Symbolism
A symbol is a
thing that
represents
something
else.

3. Symbolism
What can be a symbol?
• Objects
• Pictures
• Words
• Sounds
• Numerals
• Music
• Art
If it has an image or if it
produces a feeling, it can be
used as a symbol.

4. Religious Symbols

5. Mathematical Symbols

6. International and National Symbols
Maple Leaf: Symbolizes the
nature and environment of
the country.
Red bars: The Pacific and
Atlantic Oceans that
border the country.
Colors-Red and White: Red
symbolizes the English
influences and white
symbolizes the French
influences.

7. Color Symbolism

8. Color Symbolism

9. Symbolism in Writing
• Symbolism is used to provide
meaning to the writing
beyond what is actually
being described.
• Plot and action are one level
in the story; symbolism is
another level.

10. Why create symbols?
Symbols allow writers to
suggest layers and layers of
meaning-possibilities that a
simple, literal statement
could never convey.
A symbol is like a pebble
cast into a pond:
It sends out ever widening
ripples of meaning.
Why don’t writers don’t just come right out and say what
they mean?

11. Symbolism in Writing
The theme is represented on a
physical level.
• Example: A storm occurring when
there is a conflict or high emotions
• Example: Transition from day to
night might = move from goodness
to evil

12. Now you try!
Find the symbolism associated with
the image I will give you.

13. Theme

14. Theme
What is the theme of a piece of
literature?
What makes a story linger in our
hearts and minds long after we’ve
read it? Often it is the idea on
which the story is built—its theme.

15. Theme
Theme—the central idea, or understanding, about life
or human behavior that a story reveals.
Living a simple life leads to greater
personal freedom.
The deepest loneliness is sometimes
felt when we are among friends.

16. Theme
In most stories, the theme
is not stated directly.
Instead, it is revealed to
us through the
characters’ experiences.
Example: Coyotito
getting stung by the
scorpion what theme
could that translate into
in The Pearl?
Hint: Think of the songs
that Kino plays in his
mind.

17. Theme
Different writers from different cultures
often express similar themes.
A theme is a generalization about life
or human nature.
Certain types of experiences are
common to all people everywhere.

18. Theme
Stories
• The Grasshopper
and the Ant
• Beauty and the
Beast
• The Three Little Pigs
• The Ugly Duckling
• The Frog Prince
It pays to work
hard and plan
ahead.
Appearances can
be deceiving.

19. Theme
Stories
• The Grasshopper
and the Ant
• Beauty and the
Beast
• The Three Little Pigs
• The Ugly Duckling
• The Frog Prince
It pays to work
hard and plan
ahead.
Appearances can
be deceiving.