ELA1104-ABED_1: 4.2. Identifying Symbolism

When we study texts, we need to be aware of various ways that the creator will convey the message. We need to watch for messaging that is present, but not always really obvious. An example of this type of messaging is the use of symbolism. Symbolism is especially important in visuals, as the creator creates certain atmospheres and messages through the use of very purposefully chosen symbols to further enhance the meaning of the text.

Symbolism is the practice of representing abstract ideas with concrete symbols. The symbol is an abstract idea or item that represents a much larger idea than itself. Even though we may not realize it, we use symbolism often in our everyday lives! For the purpose of literary texts, symbolism will occur when the idea of the symbol is repeated within the text. For example, if a text creator explains an object or abstract idea with more detail than you would normally expect, this is a hint that it most likely will be symbolic within the text.

Watch this video to get a better idea of the characteristics of symbolism.

For this assignment, you will identify and research the use of Indigenous symbolism in the graphic novel, Sugar Falls.

Step 1: Review the 4.2 Scoring Rubric that shows how your work will be evaluated.

Step 2: Review pages 4 and 5 of the novel and choose one of the given cultural Indigenous symbols to research. You will research this chosen symbol and create a written report. Try to include both relevant and "cool" information that might be unique, and may not already be known by your reader. Be sure to address why this symbol is significant and how it represents or connects to the Indigenous people. In other words, why is this symbol so important to the Indigenous people?

Step 3: Review the "Website Reliability Check" worksheet provided in one of the formats given below. After reviewing the worksheet, carefully choose two websites you will use to complete your research for your chosen Indigenous symbol. Use one of your website choices and complete the "Reliability Review" worksheet for one chosen website to check its reliability as a choice for research.

Step 4: Create a page that shares your researched information. You must paraphrase information into your own words or use quotation marks to show direct quotation. Remember, if you paraphrase or quote directly, you must cite your sources properly in order to avoid plagiarism. On your page, include a graphic to represent your chosen symbol, as well as your name, course, and assignment #. You must cite your research sources, as well as your chosen image source at the end of your research report. Use these examples from the MLA Style Guide to cite your sources to assist you with your bibliography or if you would like to try an easy way to create your source citations you may want to follow the steps in this online Citation Machine Instruction Sheet.

Step 5: Save your assignment as FirstnameLastname4.2Symbolism.

Step 6: Submit both your "Reliability Review" worksheet and your research report in the space provided. This submission page has been set to accept two files.

What will completing this Identifying Symbolism assignment help you to know, understand, and do?

Know - will know the definition of symbolism, how to search a website for reliability, and source citation techniques
Understand - will help you to understand that not all online information is accurate, and to appreciate that research must be carefully done, in order to collect and analyze accurate and meaningful information to help you to gain an enhanced understanding of symbolism
Do - you will identify symbolism, use research skills and make research choices, and practice proper source citation