IWW
Practice-W Exercise Archives
Exercise: Symbolism
These
exercises were written
by IWW
members
and administrators to provide structured practice opportunities for its
members.
You are welcome to use them for practice as well. Please mention that
you found
them at the Internet Writers Workshop
(http://www.internetwritingworkshop.org/).
Prepared by: Pat Johnson
Posted on: Sun, 18 Mar 2001
SYMBOLISM
Authors use symbolism on many different levels in stories. It is
present in
characters, images, actions, and places. Some examples of common
symbols
are rivers, ocean, sky, flowers, trees and bridges. Symbols are images,
objects, or events that represent something else.
How a symbol is used can change or influence its meaning. A symbol
can be
developed from a common image or from a unique one, like the sled named
Rosebud in Citizen Kane. Two powerful symbols that are more common are
seen
in the novel Lord of the Flies; where the symbols were the flies and
the
pig's head. They symbolize the breakdown of society, and the
consequences
of death and murder. A river is a common symbol that is perhaps
overused,
yet it is a unique and fresh symbol in the novel A River Runs Through
It.
The symbol may be easily understood by the reader, or less
consciously
understood and more abstract. If the symbol enhances the meaning of the
story, then the reader will understand the author.
Exercise:
In 300 words or less, write a scene with a symbol that is central to
the
story. Try to find a symbol that has not been overused. Remember, if
the
symbol is too abstract, or misrepresented, then the symbolism will be
lost.
If you reveal too many details, then the symbol becomes too obvious.
Have
fun with this.
Pat Johnson's wrap-up
Posted on: Sat, 24 Mar 2001
Hello Members of Practice-W,
Everyone who submitted or critiqued deserves applause, this exercise
was not
easy. I thought all of the critiques were excellent. Some critters
commented
on how tough it was to find the symbolism, and as Tracy Schumaker
noted,
critiquing was about as difficult as writing a submission using
symbolism.
Good work everyone.
The submissions varied. Some symbols were familiar ones like nature,
animals, light and water. Others were more unique like the symbol x, a
rocking chair or a jacket. Both kinds could be made to have a very
specific
symbolic meaning or to be more abstract. Both were found in the
submissions.
When reading and critiquing sometimes more symbols were found than
were
intended. Also, sometimes the reader found no symbolism present in the
submission. Symbols can be present in a story although unknown to the
author. The unconscious creative mind comes through in symbolism. I
also
noticed how my life experiences made certain symbols more meaningful.
Symbolism can be very personal and mean different things to different
readers. I wonder how this will affect all of our future writings.
Thanks to each of you for participating in the symbolism exercise. I
hope
each of you learned from and enjoyed the exercise.
Happy Writing,
Patricia Johnson
Web site created by
Rhéal Nadeau and
the administrators of the Internet Writing Workshop.
Modified by Gayle Surrette.
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