Symbolism Secrets Slides
Reading & Writing Skills
English Language Arts
The Secret Code of Stories: Symbolism
How writers use everyday objects, colors, and weather to share big ideas without saying them out loud.
Heart
Stands for Love
White Dove
Stands for Peace
Storm Cloud
Stands for Trouble
Core Concept
What is a Symbol?
02 / 09
Step 1: Concrete
Something You See
A physical object, animal, color, or weather event in the story.
Example: A wilted red rose
Step 2: Abstract
Something You Feel
A big invisible idea, emotion, or theme behind the physical object.
Example: Fading hope or lost love
A symbol is a physical object that carries an invisible big idea.
Author's Purpose
Why Use Symbols?
03 / 09
Show, Don't Tell
Instead of writing "Leo was furious," an author shows boiling coffee and a slammed door.
Creates vivid pictures in your mind.
Sets the Mood
Weather and colors let readers feel the emotional atmosphere before characters speak.
Connects directly to reader emotions.
Adds Mystery
Readers get to act like detectives, uncovering secret clues beneath the surface story.
Makes reading an active discovery.
"Great stories don't explain everything. They let symbols do the heavy lifting."
Everyday Symbols
Color Symbolism
04 / 09
Red
Passion & Danger
Anger, courage, love, urgency, or warning.
Ex: A stop sign or red cape
Blue
Peace & Sadness
Calm water, deep sorrow, trust, or loyalty.
Ex: A calm glassy sea
Green
Growth & Life
Fresh starts, youth, nature, or envy.
Ex: Springtime shoots
Yellow
Hope & Joy
Warmth, new beginnings, cheer, or caution.
Ex: Golden morning light
Quick Rule: Look at the context to tell whether red means love or danger.
Everyday Symbols
Nature & Weather
05 / 09
Weather
Bright Sunshine
Happiness, clarity, relief, and fresh opportunities.
"Warm light filled the empty room."
Weather
Thunderstorm
Inner turmoil, raging conflict, danger, or chaos.
"Lightning flashed as voices rose."
Plant Life
A Green Sprout
Personal growth, second chances, and fresh starts.
"A tiny leaf cracked through the pavement."
Plant Life
Wilted Flower
Fading dreams, sorrow, loss, or ending youth.
"Petals fell quietly onto the wooden floor."
When weather changes in a story, the character's journey is changing too!
Everyday Symbols
Animal Symbolism
06 / 09
Dove
Peace & Hope
Forgiveness, innocence, and peaceful fresh starts.
Trait: Gentle
Lion
Courage & Pride
Bold leadership, bravery, and fierce royal power.
Trait: Brave
Owl
Wisdom & Truth
Deep knowledge, secrets, patience, and intuition.
Trait: Wise
Snake
Betrayal & Lies
Hidden danger, sneaky deception, and temptation.
Trait: Cunning
What other animals have strong symbolic traits? A loyal dog? A free eagle?
Detective Strategy
How to Spot a Symbol in 3 Steps
07 / 09
1
Notice the Object
Does the author repeat a specific item, highlight a color, or describe weather in detail?
Ask: "Why did the writer mention this?"
2
Brainstorm Feelings
What emotions, sayings, or ideas do people connect with that object in real life?
Ask: "What does this feel like?"
3
Connect to the Story
How does that meaning match what the character is going through right now?
Ask: "How does this mirror the plot?"
If an item gets extra focus from the narrator, it's probably a symbol! Spot → Brainstorm → Connect
Guided Practice
Be the Symbol Detective
08 / 09
Read This Scene:
"After weeks of failing his driving test, Leo sat in the car for his final try. Dark rain poured against the windshield. But the moment the examiner smiled and handed him his license, the clouds parted, and warm sunshine hit the steering wheel."
1. The Object / Weather
What changes in the scene?
The heavy dark rain suddenly clears into bright, warm sunshine.
2. The Hidden Meaning
What does the sunshine mean?
It symbolizes Leo's relief, triumph, and the bright road ahead!
Did the writer need to say "Leo felt relieved"? No! The weather showed it.
Show, Don't Tell
Wrap Up
The 3 Golden Rules
09 / 09
Rule 1
Look Beyond the Literal
Objects in stories rarely appear by accident. Always ask: "What bigger idea does this stand for?"
Rule 2
Pay Attention to Mood
Colors, storms, and daylight tell you how characters feel long before they speak out loud.
Rule 3
Try It in Your Writing
Don't just state that a character is sad. Give them an overcast afternoon or a wilting flower!
Now you hold the key to the secret code of stories!
End of Presentation
Symbolism Practice Worksheet
Symbolism Practice Worksheet
Literary Analysis: Identifying Concrete Objects and Abstract Meanings
Name:
Date:
Period:
Part 1: Key Concepts
Definition: A symbol is a physical or concrete object, person, color, or event in a story that represents an invisible or abstract idea, feeling, or theme beyond its literal meaning.
1. In your own words, explain the difference between a concrete detail and an abstract idea.
2. Why do authors use symbolism instead of directly stating what a character is feeling?
Part 2: Common Symbols Matching
Write the letter of the correct meaning in each blank.
-
___ A violent thunderstorm
-
___ A green plant sprouting
-
___ A locked door or heavy chains
-
___ A release of a white dove
-
___ The color red
-
___ A wilting, dry flower
A. Anger, danger, or intense passion
B. Emotional barriers, secrets, or isolation
C. Conflict, chaos, or emotional turmoil
D. Peace, freedom, or forgiveness
E. Fading vitality, lost hope, or decline
F. New beginnings, growth, and resilience
Symbolism Practice Worksheet Page 1 of 2
Symbolism Practice Worksheet • Analysis & Application
Name: Page 2 of 2
Part 3: Passage Analysis
Read each excerpt carefully. Identify the symbol and answer the accompanying questions.
"As David sat at the table waiting for his test results, he noticed the grandfather clock in the hallway. The pendulum swung slowly back and forth, each tick filling the quiet room with heavy, rhythmic thuds."
1. Identify the concrete object:
2. What abstract idea does it represent?
3. How does this object emphasize what David is experiencing in this moment?
"After moving across the country, Mateo stood outside his new school. He held his grandfather's antique brass compass in his palm, but the glass was cracked and the magnetic needle spun aimlessly without settling on north."
1. Identify the concrete object:
2. What abstract idea does it represent?
3. How does the condition of the compass mirror Mateo's emotional state?
Part 4: Writing Application
Select one of the emotions listed below. Write a 2–3 sentence scene that communicates that emotion through a (such as weather, an object, or a color).
