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Literary Analysis: Analyze Symbols
Academic Vocabulary

  • • symbol (sim-bul) noun A symbol is an object that represents something else.

Learn About Symbols Symbols are objects that stand for an idea. The Statue of Liberty, for example, stands for the idea of freedom. Writers use symbols to give greater meaning to what they are writing about. They want you to see the symbol and think of something greater than the actual object. Here are some common symbols:

SymbolWhat It Means
Illustration of a peace signPeace
Illustration of a smiley faceHappiness
Illustration of a poison symbolPoison

Practice Together

Analyze Symbols Read the passage. What object is used as a symbol? What does the symbol represent? Discuss its meaning with your class.

But Kitselemukong left one other sign on the earth of that great battle. In the marshlands created by that long ago fight, there where the blood soaked into the earth, Kitselemukong made a new berry grow. Its skin is as red as the blood that was shed. It is the cranberry. When the people see it, they remember the fate of the Yakwawiak, those great creatures who had no respect for the rest of the creation.

Try It!

Find Symbols in Literature Look at “The Legend of the Yakwawiak” and “Possum Crossing.” What objects in these selections might be symbols? What do they stand for? Discuss your ideas with a partner.