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Symbolism in Literature
Symbolism in Literature
LITERATURE
What is symbolism?
Symbolism is when the author uses an object
or reference to add deeper meaning to a story.
Symbolism is used to provide meaning to the
writing beyond what is actually being
described.
A symbol can enhance a theme, idea or a
character.
We have studied
Colors
Objects
Pieces of nature like the water or the sky
-Robert Frost
Let’s look at some of the lines in
this poem.
Based on this
line, what
time of year
is it?
If I said that
time of year
represented
part of your
life, what part
of your life
would it be?
The traveler
is staring
down a path
that split in
two. What
could that
represent?
Let’s Think…
Yellow is a FALL color.
If life is broken into the seasons: Spring,
Summer, Fall and Winter, the fall is later in life,
but not quite old age.
The path split in two could represent having to
make a decision or a choice in life.
Notice…
If it “wanted wear” it
seems that no one
had been that way.
He doesn’t say that
about the first path.
So, when he says he
choose the one “less
traveled” it means he
choose the one
where he didn’t see
many people had
walked on it.
Frost finishes with a lesson…
Why?
What do they make you think
when you read that poem?
Nothing Gold Can Stay