This document provides information about symbolism and the use of symbols in literature. It explains that symbols are objects, events or ideas that represent something abstract. Symbols can be inherited over time and take on cultural meanings, or they can be invented by authors. Well-chosen symbols allow writers to suggest deeper layers of meaning and leave impressions that last longer than literal statements. The document gives several examples of common symbols like flags, skulls and roses, and discusses how symbols are used in literature to represent complex ideas efficiently.

1. Guided Notes on Symbolism
Layers of Meaning

2. What Symbols Stand For
• A symbol is often an ordinary
object, event, person, or animal to
which we have attached
extraordinary meaning and
significance.

3. Easier Definition?
A symbol is a concrete,
real object that makes
people think of an
abstract, non-concrete
idea.

4. We use a rectangle of dyed cloth to
symbolize pride and identity for a country.

5. • We use a picture of
a skull and
crossbones to
symbolize poison
or danger.
• We send red roses
as a symbol of
love.

6. Where Do Symbols Come
From?
● Symbols can be inherited or invented--
symbols can be different within different
cultures
● The most familiar symbols have been
inherited, meaning, they have been
handed down over time

7. Where Do Symbols Come
From?
• For example: no one
really knows who first
thought of using a lion
as a symbol of power,
courage and
domination
• Once these qualities
were associated with
the animal, images of
lions appeared on
flags, banners, coats
of arms and castle
walls
• The lion became a
public symbol that
shows up in art and
literature, even today!
• Can you think of some
examples of how lions
are used as a symbol
of courage and power?

8. • People throughout history have
endowed ordinary objects with feelings
and ideas far beyond their simple
meaning
A crown symbolizes
royalty
An olive
branch
symbolizes
peace or
victory
Five linked
rings
symbolize the
Olympics and
unity

9. • Symbols can also be invented.
• What is the symbol for our school?
“Bobcats are
excellent hunters,
stalking prey with
stealth and patience,
then capturing their
meals with one great
leap.”

10. Symbols in Literature
Some invented symbols in literature have
become so widely known that they often have
gained the status of public symbols.
For example,
Peter Pan is a
symbol for
eternal
childhood

11. Why Create Symbols?
You may ask why writers don’t just come right out and say
what they mean.
• 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

12. Simon kicked open the door to the small shop. He looked
around in the darkness until he found what he was looking for.
Against the far wall, there stood a worn wooden bench with
crowbars, pliers, screwdrivers and other implements.
Silently, he used the tools to remove the shackles around his
wrists and feet, shackles he had worn for years, shackles that had
helped to keep him imprisoned for most of his life. Finally free, he
left the shackles on the table and began to leave.
Before he reached the door, Simon turned around and stared
at the shackles on the table. He strode across the room and picked
up a heavy hammer. With all his might, he brought the hammer
down again and again on the shackles, until they broke and bent.
Still he hammered, until the cruel chains and manacles were
disfigured, unrecognizable lumps of iron. His face marked by both
fatigue and satisfaction, Simon dropped the hammer and left.

13. • You may not be able to articulate fully
what a certain symbol means, but you
will always find that the symbol, if it is
powerful and well chosen, will speak
forcefully to your emotions and to your
imagination.
• You may also find that you will
remember and think about the symbol
long after you have forgotten other
parts.

14. Examples
What could the following
concrete objects represent
as abstract ideas or
feelings?

23. Independent Practice
Complete the remainder of
your guided notes to
prepare for a class
discussion.