Symbolism is the practice or art of using an object or a
word to represent an abstract idea.
An action, person, place, word, or object can all have a symbolic meaning.
When an author wants to suggest a certain mood or emotion, he can also use
symbolism to hint at it, rather than just blatantly saying it.
In literature, symbolism can take many forms including:
A figure of speech where an object, person, or situation has another meaning other than its
literal meaning.
The actions of a character, word, action, or event that have a deeper meaning in the context of
the whole story.
Symbolism in Everyday Life
Our language contains an immense number of symbols whose intended meaning or
significance is well-known and accepted by the majority.
Symbolism is found in colors:
Black is used to represent death or evil.
White stands for life and purity.
Red can symbolize blood, passion, danger, or
immoral character.
Purple is a royal color.
Yellow stands for violence or decay.
Blue represents peacefulness and calm.
Symbolic Objects
Objects are often used to symbolize something else:
A chain can symbolize the coming together of two
things.
A ladder can represent the relationship between heaven and
earth or ascension.
A mirror can denote the sun but when it is broken, it can represent an
unhappy union or a separation.
Flowers as Symbols
Even flowers can have a symbolism:
Roses stand for romance.
Violets represent shyness.
Lilies stand for beauty and temptation.
Chrysanthemums represent perfection.
Symbolism, as you see, can be found almost anywhere. Any time there is something that
represents more than its literal meaning, this can be an example of symbolism.
Information found @ http://examples.yourdictionary.com/examples/examples-of-symbolism.html
5.
River
4.
Light
Eyes
3.
Sled
2.
Gabriel
Symbol
1.
Color
Red
•
•
Moving
downhill
on
the
sled
symbolizes
the
transfer
of
memories
from
the
Giver
to
Jonas
Symbolizes
rescue
when
Jonas
needs
to
mentally
and
physically
escape
the
community’s
reality
Purpose
of
Symbol
in
Story
• Shows
Jonas
as
separate
from
community
because
he
can
see
the
color
• Shows
strong
emotions
–
love,
hate
Name:______________________________________
•
•
•
•
•
•
(2-3 examples; include page #)
Lily
points
out
that
Jonas
and
Gabriel
both
have
‘funny’
eyes
which
angers
Jonas
because
he
wants
to
be
part
of
the
community
in
the
beginning
of
the
book.
Light
eyes
allow
colors
to
refract
more
easily
allowing
Jonas
to
see
colors
more
clearly
Symbolizes
separation
from
the
crowd
Gabriel
can’t
sleep
or
adapt
to
life
in
the
Nurturing
center
so
he
is
brought
into
Jonas’
home;
everyone
has
to
sign
something
saying
that
they
won’t
become
attached
(typifying
the
community’s
rules
and
morality).
Jonas
is
unable
to
resist
caring
for
Gabriel
despite
the
societal
expectations
Becomes
Jonas’
Receiver
during
his
stay
at
the
house
and
the
escape
Becomes
the
reason
that
Jonas
escapes
ahead
of
the
Giver’s
time
frame
Examples
of
Symbol
in
Story
Fill in the missing boxes of this symbolism chart. Include the page
number(s) for each of your examples. For the examples you are
given, find the page number on which the event occurs.
Symbolism
in
The
Giver
Sled
is
used
to
illustrate
receiving
memory
and
Jonas’
escape.
Main
Idea/Summary
Color
is
necessary
to
illustrate
Jonas’
separation
from
the
community