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IWW Practice-W Exercise Archives
Exercise: Symbolism (Version 3)

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: March 18, 2001
Reposted, revised, on: October 8, 2006



EXERCISE:

In 500 words or less, write a scene using a symbol that is central to the story. Try to find a symbol that has not been overused.

Symbols are objects, images, places, or anything an author uses to represent something else. A symbol may stand for an ideal, an emotion, or a relationship. Some examples of symbols are rivers, ocean, sky, flowers, trees and bridges. Symbols can be original and unique to your story only or common symbols as mentioned above. The same symbol used in different stories can change in its representation depending upon how it is used. A river is a common symbol used frequently, yet it might symbolize life, a journey, an uncontrollable force, or a motivation. Finding the right balance is key: if the symbol is too abstract, or misrepresented, the symbolism is lost; reveal too many details, the symbol becomes obvious. The symbol should help to clarify the story.:

EXERCISE:

In 500 words or less, write a scene using a symbol that is central to the story. Try to find a symbol that has not been overused.:

CRITIQUING::

Identify the symbol as you see it and explain what it represents to you. Tell why you think this particular object is the symbol the author was presenting and whether you think it worked as the author intended. The interpretation of the symbol can differ from individual to individual based on what we bring to the story. Your understanding may well be different from that of others


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