Concept/Definition
SYMBOLISM is…
...when anything that can be seen, heard, tasted, smelled, and/or touched in a text REPRESENTS a "force" that cannot be seen, heard, tasted, smelled, and/or touched.
EXAMPLEs
The color red may SYMBOLIZE passion.
A tree may SYMBOLIZE life or growth.
A butterfly may SYMBOLIZE transformation.
A ring may SYMBOLIZE love or commitment.
The smell of a particular food may SYMBOLIZE the feeling of safety.
A storm may SYMBOLIZE feelings of fear.
Springtime may SYMBOLIZE a new beginning.
Things to look for
- Anything that is repeated
- Anything that ALWAYS shows up paired with a certain thing (a butterfly flits by every time the little girl learns something new)
- Weather changes
- Season changes
- Color schemes that stand out (such as very bright colors)
CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING