Home > Subjects > English > English level 1 > 1.2 Visual/oral text study > Subject content > Symbol
- Subject: English
- AS: 90850
- Level: 1
- Credits: 4
- External
1.2 Show understanding of visual text(s)
Symbol
A symbol is an object or image that is used to represent an idea. Not all texts use symbolism, however, it can be repeated throughout the text like a shorthand way of expressing a complex idea. It is used throughout the text and is a shorthand way of expressing a complex idea. For example in Macbeth, blood is used as a symbol to show how guilty Lady Macbeth feels.
Key points to study:
- What symbols are used in the text?
- What does it mean and who is connected with it?
Ways to study symbol:
- Close read – to look for any symbols referred to or used by certain characters at certain times. Opening, close of a chapter or scene or a moment of high tension
- Chart:
- What is the object/image?
- Where and when is it shown?
- Who is connected with it?
- What does it mean?
For an example of symbol see motifs, page 3 of Whale Rider – A Teacher Resource for Class Cinema Viewing (PDF, 264kb) in the Whale Rider notes.
Other keywords for symbol: symbolism, symbolic, significant object, motif, image.
