Task: To discuss and explore the role of symbolism in Mercè Rodoreda’s

novel, ‘In Diamond Square’

STRUCTURE

INTRODUCTION TO RODOREDA’S NOVEL: SOCIO-HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL CONTEXT

AN OVERVIEW ON THE IMPORTANCE OF SYMBOLISM

PARA 1: Key Symbol A and its relevance to the characters, themes and narrative.

PARA 2: Key Symbol B and its relevance to the characters, themes and narrative.

PARA 3: Key Symbol C and its relevance to the characters, themes and narrative.

CONCLUSION.

DISCUSS

Why do writers, poets and dramatists employ figurative language in their work-to what end?

What are the most powerful/ high impact symbols in the world?

What ingredients are needed for symbols to operate effectively?

COMPLETE THE TABLE IN PAIRS AND THEN SHARE YOUR FINDINGS WITH ANOTHER PAIR. ADD 5
MORE SYMBOLS TO THE CHART BY SELECTING FROM RANDOM CHAPTERS IN THE NOVEL

SYMBOL CONTEXT AND PLACEMENT MEANINGS POSSIBLE

Coffeepots Page 1: Natalia enthuses over
the raffled coffeepots at the
start of the novel—their
divided orange design and
white background make them
objects to covet
The petticoat Natalia is hampered in her
movements and is in constant
pain due to the cutting elastic
of her petticoat which creates
a red ‘weal’ round her waist
as she rushes to the dance.
In Catalan-Spanish culture,
the coffeepot may symbolise
family and domestic female
roles of mother and wife.
Under a patriarchal reading,
the design is one which
encourages matchmaking and
heteronormative relationships
in a marriage narrative.
The petticoat symbolises and
confirms female sexuality
whilst simultaneously and
paradoxically covering up and
thus promoting modesty. The
painful ligature Natalia
experiences represents the
hypocrisy of a society through
a male gaze which demands
simultaneously sexualised and
modest/ chaste womanhood.
 The chair

The pigeon

For one of your paragraphs in the assessed essay, you will be required to analyse the symbol of the
pigeons. Look at the power point attached and work in pairs to produce an extensive
deconstruction of this symbol.