Literary Elements and Techniques | Symbolism

Learning Resource Type

Classroom Resource

Subject Area

English Language Arts

Grade(s)

7, 8

Overview

Explore how authors use symbolism to add a deeper level of meaning to their work in this short animated video from WNET. Discussion questions below help students to further apply their understanding before analyzing a text.

English Language Arts (2021) Grade(s): 7

ELA21.7.4

Evaluate literary devices to support interpretations of literary texts using textual evidence, including simile, metaphor, personification, onomatopoeia, hyperbole, imagery, tone, symbolism, irony, and mood.

UP:ELA21.7.4

Vocabulary

  • Literary devices
  • Literary texts
  • Textual evidence
  • Simile
  • Metaphor
  • Personification
  • Onomatopoeia
  • Hyperbole
  • Imagery
  • Tone
  • Symbolism
  • Irony
  • Mood

Knowledge

Students know:
  • Authors of literary texts, such as prose and poetry, often include literary devices and figurative language to create a particular tone and mood.
  • Evaluating literary devices that are used in a text can support a personal interpretation of a text.

Skills

Students are able to:
  • Identify literary devices in literary texts, including simile, metaphor, personification, onomatopoeia, hyperbole, imagery, tone, symbolism, irony, and mood.
  • Evaluate how an author's use of literary devices supports an interpretation of the text.
  • Cite evidence from the text to support their evaluations.

Understanding

Students understand that:
  • Authors use figurative language and literary devices to develop tone and mood in their writing.
  • Literary devices contribute to the literal and/or figurative interpretation of a text.
English Language Arts (2021) Grade(s): 8

ELA21.8.4

Analyze the use of literary devices, including simile, metaphor, personification, onomatopoeia, hyperbole, imagery, tone, symbolism, irony, mood, and allusion, to support interpretations of literary texts, using textual evidence to support the analysis.

UP:ELA21.8.4

Vocabulary

  • Literary devices
  • Simile
  • Metaphor
  • Personification
  • Onomatopoeia
  • Hyperbole
  • Imagery
  • Tone
  • Symbolism
  • Irony
  • Mood
  • Allusion
  • Literary text
  • Textual evidence

Knowledge

Students know:
  • Authors of literary texts, such as prose and poetry, often include literary devices and figurative language to create a particular tone and mood.
  • Analyzing literary devices that are used in a text can support an interpretation of the text.
  • Analysis of a text should be supported with text evidence from the writing.

Skills

Students are able to:
  • Identify literary devices in literary texts, including simile, metaphor, personification, onomatopoeia, hyperbole, imagery, tone, symbolism, irony, mood, and allusion.
  • Analyze how an author's use of literary devices supports an interpretation of the text.
  • Cite evidence from the text to support their analysis.

Understanding

Students understand that:
  • Authors use figurative language and literary devices to develop tone and mood in their writing.
  • Literary devices contribute to the literal and/or figurative interpretation of a text.

CR Resource Type

Audio/Video

Resource Provider

PBS

License Type

Custom

Accessibility

Video resources: includes closed captioning or subtitles
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