2. DEFINITION
Symbolism: The art or practice of using symbols especially
by investing things with a symbolic meaning or by
expressing the invisible or intangible by means of visible or
sensuous representations as:
Artistic imitation or invention that is a method of revealing or suggesting
immaterial, ideal, or otherwise intangible truth or states.
The use of conventional or traditional signs in the representation of
divine beings and spirits.
Definition: Merriam-Webster Dictionary Website
3. WHAT THAT ALL REALLY
MEANS…
The Norton Introduction to Literature says it best: “A symbol
is something that represents something else.”
Symbols are the things within a story which the author
intends for the reader to see, without having to outwardly
explain.
Usually these items have deeper importance, and the author
aims for the reader to discover and explore their
significance personally, making them more meaningful.
Symbols are like little secrets the author wants you to pick
up on, so he doesn’t have to tell you!
4. HOW ABOUT SOME EXAMPLES
“Young Goodman Brown” by Nathanial Hawthorne, “A Wall of Fire Rising”
by Edwidge Danticat, and “The Thing in the Forest” by A.S Byatt all offer
great instances and examples of symbolism in action!
5. First, we are presented with Goodman’s wife, Faith.
A clear representation of all that is good, wholesome, and
trustworthy about Goodman Brown himself.
But also a telling representation of his faith in the church
and his religion.
Faith is Goodman’s moral compass though out the story,
and offers insight and foreshadowing to the reader.
YOUNG GOODMAN BROWN
“Young Goodman Brown” offers several instances of obvious
symbolism that most readers quickly pick up on.
6. When Goodman happens upon the meeting, he explains it as
almost churchlike…
This is a blatant cue for the reader to pick up on the
similarities the author is drawing between church and
coven.
As well as an indication as to the ease at which one can
fall from one to the other.
YOUNG GOODMAN BROWN
We are also presented with the symbolic meeting of the coven
in the woods.
7. Now that’s enough from “Good”man Brown…
Time for something more interesting!
(..and slightly more difficult to catch)
8. Symbolism within “A Wall of Fire Rising” may not be as
easily determined as “Young Goodman Brown,” but it is
equally significant and important.
Little Guy symbolizes the life Guy will never be able to live, and
all the opportunities he was never able to see.
This connection is so great, Guy has bestowed Little Guy
with a name symbolizing the newness and opportunity
which he feels his son represents.
A WALL OF FIRE
RISING
Possibly the most significant symbol to be mentioned is the
relationship between Guy and his son, Little Guy.
Having become so unhappy and unsatisfied by the life he has
lived, Guy has placed all his hopes and dreams onto Little
Guys shoulders.
9. The hot air balloon Guy becomes obsessed with fixing is a
perfect outlet for the unrealized dreams he has sheltered for a
better, more satisfying life.
And Guy’s eventual suicide involving the balloon is
symbolic of his failed life aspirations, and realization
that he will never be able to do better than the
repaired balloon.
A WALL OF FIRE
RISING
The reader is also presented with a symbol representing
Guy’s unfulfilled hopes and aspirations
10. Now that we are all catching on…
Let’s move on to the really good stuff!
11. Symbolism within “The Thing in the Forest” can be
more difficult to catch, but remains crucially important
to the storyline and understanding of the theme.
The worm is a clear symbol of their fears and nightmares.
But is also a representation of the emotional destruction and
psychological damage war can have on those who are
affected.
THE THING IN THE
FOREST
During their time in the woods, Penny and Primrose confront
the horribly, loathly worm.
12. Now you might be asking yourself…
HOW CAN A
WORM BE
A TANK??
Give me a second to explain!
13. They find solace in each other's company, but are still
tormented by the destruction the war has wrecked on their
lives.
That torment manifests itself in their encounter with the
worm in the woods.
A representation of fear and damage which they, as
children, can understand much more than the confusion
and intensity of the war.
The girls can not intellectually understand what is happening in
their lives, but can visualize the destruction which is caused by
the worm
See?
Worm = War!
THE THING IN THE
FOREST
Penny and Primrose have both lost their fathers, been
moved from their homes, ripped away from their
mothers, and forced to live uncomfortable lives in a scary
new place.
14. No more cheesy pictures or connections!
We are almost done! I promise!
15. WHAT TO BE ON THE LOOK FOR
Symbolism in literature can range from overly obvious, to
seemingly impossible.
Just keep an open mind and look for cues!
Look for overly detailed descriptions, or incredibly
comprehensive explanations.
And always be weary if something seems out of place.
Try to keep an eye out for something the author may be
hoping you might notice
And always take a second to look a little closer, or dig a
little deeper!
Chances are, if the author has taken the time to create
detailed and complicated symbols in their piece, the
information is most likely rather important!
16. Thanks for taking a look at our PowerPoint!
Hope you enjoyed our work
And possibly learned a little something.
Elizabeth Forgey
Alyssa Havens
Alexa Jester
17. WORKS CITED
" Symbolism." Merriam-Webster.com. Merriam-Webster,n.d. Web.
16 Oct. 2013. <http://www.merriamwebster.com/dictionary/symbolism>.
Mays, Kelly J., ed. The Norton Introduction to Literature.11th ed.
Vol. 1. New York,: W.W Norton & Company, 2013. 285. 1
vols. Print.
Hawthorne, Nathaniel. "Young Goodman Brown." (by Nathaniel
Hawthorne, 1835). N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Oct.
2013.
Byatt, A.S., ed. "The Thing in the Forest." The Norton
Introduction to Literature. 11th ed. Vol. 1. Mays, Kelly J.
New York,: W.W Norton & Company, 2013. 302-16. 1 vols.
Print.
Danticat, Edwidge, ed. "The Thing in the Forest." The Norton
Introduction to Literature. 11th ed. Vol. 1. Mays, Kelly J.
New York,: W.W Norton & Company, 2013. 317-29. 1 vols.
Print.
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