Setting and Symbolism

Comprehend

Comprehend

To comprehend means gaining a basic understanding. To comprehend the setting of a story, we can ask questions like:

What is the setting?

Do we know the time period?

The location, season, time of day?

What sights, sounds, smells, tastes and textures are described?

Analysis

Analyze

To analyze the setting, we want to dig a little deeper into the details than in the comprehension stage. We can ask questions like:

• Does the setting create an obstacle for the characters?
• What does the setting tell us about the characters?
• How do the characters feel about the setting?
• Are any of the elements of the setting symbolic?
• How does the author treat gaps in time?

What is symbolism?

The use of symbols to express or represent ideas or qualities in literature.

Symbols can represent: feelings, emotions, characteristics, ideas, or qualities.

Figurative

Literal

the completely true, real, and accurate meaning of something

not intended to be understood as exactly what they mean, but in the context they're used they mean something else.

In literature, symbolism…

creates a direct, meaningful link between…

a specific object, scene, character, or action

and

abstract ideas, values, persons or ways of life.

Tangible vs. Intangible

Tangible- Things that you can touch

Flag, Wedding Band, Water, Flowers, Dove

Intangible-Things you cannot touch

Respect , Affection , Happiness , Angst , Ego

In other words

When you use something tangible (concrete) to represent something intangible (abstract)

Figuratively

stop

danger

do not enter

Literally

Red

Octagon

shape

figure

Try this!

What is this symbol literally?

Try this!

What does this symbol figuratively mean/represent?

(by yourself)

What is this symbol literally?

What does this symbol figuratively mean/represent?

Answers

Literally:

a red heart

Figuratively:

love, family love, romantic love

Literally:

a circle with three lines in it

Figuratively:

peace

Why Do Writers Use Symbolism?

• Help readers visualize complex concepts and central themes, and track their development.
• Afford writers the opportunity to communicate big ideas efficiently and artfully.
• Invite readers to interpret a text independently, rather than be directly told what the author means.
• Add emotional weight to a text.
• Conceal themes that are too controversial to state openly.
• Imply change or growth in characters or themes through shifts in the way that characters interact with particular symbols, or ways in which the symbols themselves change over time.

Remember that you want to go from Concrete----> Abstract

"La Luna"

A young boy reaches for the moon, but doesn't know whether to take the lead of his father or his grandpa. What did you think of the short film? What stood out to you?

La Luna- Group assignment

Each group will be given one specific question to work on. You will be responsible for sharing your answers (share screen) for one questions and adding the combined answers to the Padlet (Place all names on Padlet- You can do this by commenting with your name or just adding it to the top)

https://padlet.com/qmccoytaylor1/9xmvk3xr7k8vwd02

Aim: How can we evaluate minimalist literature and set the stage for reading Popular Mechanics?

HW: Read and annotate story. Be sure to pay attention to the literary elements that we have been discussing throughout the unit. Complete slide 24

Minimalism

Minimalism is defined by Merriam Webster as "a style or technique (as in music, literature, or design) that is characterized by extreme spareness and simplicity"

The point is to leave enough information open for the imagination of the reader.

Readers see just enough to know the problem is lying inactive.

Defined by form, not content.

Actions rather than emotions

Minimalism in literature

Emotions are described through actions

Reading between the lines

Nihilism definition is - a viewpoint that traditional values and beliefs are unfounded and that existence is senseless and useless.

Popular Mechanics

Popular Mechanics by Raymond Carver

Originally published in 1978, the short story “Popular Mechanics” by Raymond Carver does not include an exact time or geographical setting

Physical setting

However, we do know that the events take place during winter time and that the physical setting represents the house in which the two characters live, with particular attention to the bedroom and the kitchen.

Social setting

The social setting of the short story simply illustrates the interactions in a relationship which is falling apart.

The easy way to find either is to think whether it is positive/negative or neutral

Mood

Vs. Tone