Figurative+Language

=Figurative Language: Symbolism = = = At this point, you have studied several different types of figurative language. Authors use figurative language to create certain feelings or images, possibly even moods, for their readers. Sometimes images that show up several times or objects that appear in a text can serve as a symbol or representation of something else.

Symbols are used to add richness or depth to a text. In Edgar Allan Poe's "The Raven", a raven is used to represent bad news. The raven is a symbol of the man's grief over his lost love. In Harry Potter, a snake represents Slytherin, a House of students who are depicted as traitorous or sneaky. The snake is a symbol of deceit.

Choose one of the following emotions or themes. Each one is linked to its own Titanpad. Click the link and write a list of a few possible objects or images that could symbolize your choice.

[|LOVE] [|PEACE] [|HARD WORK] [|KNOWLEDGE] [|BEAUTY] [|DEATH]

Check the Website [|Bookshelf Muse]. On the right side there are links to different possible symbols. Look under the emotion/theme you chose, and see if your symbol is there. Check the other symbols in the thesaurus.

=SYMBOLS IN THE ODYSSEY=

Think of some recurring objects or references in The Odyssey that could potentially symbolize something deeper than the literal meaning.

Dawn is mentioned twice in your recent reading. What does Dawn represent? Notice how Dawn is described. What literary device is used to describe "her"? How do you think Odysseus and his men feel about Dawn?

What do you think Dawn might symbolize?

Discuss other symbols.