Symbolismin

The Outsiders

Literary Symbolism

• “Without symbolism there can be no literature; indeed, not even language. What are words themselves but symbols”– Arthur Symons

Symbol

• Something – a person, object, situation or action which operates on two levels:

• the literal and the symbolic

• For instance, an engagement ring is a real object

But it also stands for the abiding love of the engaged couple

• All language is symbolizing one thing or another.

• A symbol is a word or object that stands for another word or object.

• The object or word can be seen with the eye or not visible

• For example, a dove stands for Peace

• The dove can be seen and peace cannot

• When reading the book of Genesis in the bible, you will find several symbols.

• In the story of Adam and Eve, when Eve ate the apple, the apple stood for sin.

a flag for country (“the flag”)

Go Hogs!Red Razorback for the University of Arkansas

an X at the end of a letter for a kiss XXX (“smack!”)

“spring” as the symbol of new beginnings

a slash line through a sign for NO, as in “No Parking”

More conventional symbols which may be expressed as words or pictures:

FLAGS – symbolize a nation

U.S. flag is a symbol of our nation, but it also stands for freedom, liberty, and patriotism

UNCLE SAM - also a symbol for the U.S.

When we see symbols in literature, they are expected to have significance.

Symbols in literature are expected to have significance

• What symbols are evident in the novel we are reading, The Outsiders?

• Have you noticed the following symbols?

Greasers

• The switchblade represents strength and power.

• The Greasers, the lower class, felt safer when carrying this defense.

• It was their choice of weapon against harm that may come from the opposing social group, the Socs.

Socs

• The blue Mustang represents the upper class Socs. It stands for money power and authority.

• It was Bob’s rings, symbols of wealth, that were used to cut up Johnny’s face so badly the day he was left for dead.

• A symbol of the lower class• Many Greasers started smoking at an early age • It made them feel older and helped them to fit

into their group.• Later it became a way of passing time and

keeping calm.

The drive in movie theatre was a place where the Greasers and the Socs shared the same turf. Both social groups enjoyed the theatre together. It was a place where they

could co-exist.

The horse represents innocence. Soda’s horse, Mickey Mouse, connects the boys to youth. Soda enjoyed the horse as a young boy. When the horse was sold, Soda was devastated. He shared a special bond with the horse that he could not again duplicate.

• The church was a safe haven for both Ponyboy and Johnny.

• It was a hideout for them as they were hiding from their crime.

• It was a place that allowed them to be themselves and reflect on their lives.

• Later, it was the burning church that allowed them to show their true colors.

So What?

• So now that we know about the symbols… SO WHAT?

• Why did S.E. Hinton deliberately (on purpose) use these particular symbols?

• What purpose do they serve in the novel?

Symbolism

• After discussing the symbols found in the novel, The Outsiders…..

• You are going to demonstrate your understanding of symbolism in literature by completing the following activity about yourself!