Directions: Make sure you read all of the directions before you begin the journey. You will have a set of three activities to complete. Follow the assigned order of the activities (so please don't jump around as you complete the assignment).
Activity 1
Defining Symbol and Symbolism
What is a symbol? Instead of going to the textbook for the answer, use the links to the following sites to find the definition of a symbol:
Glossary of Poetic(Literary) Terms
The next link will also help you in defining symbolism:
Online Literary Dictionary
Record this definition on your worksheet.
Activity 2
Examples of Symbolism
Lots of students dislike or fear literature, because they think they "don't get" the idea of symbolism.
Click on at least FIVE letters of the alphabet, choose ONE item for each letter, and record the symbolic meaning of each item.
Record your findings on your worksheet.
Alphabetic List of Symbols
Trees also have symbolism. Click on this next link to uncover the meanings of trees that you may know.
Then on the back of your paper, write a list 3 trees you may have seen or heard of and their symbolic meanings
Tree Symbolism
Activity 3
What is a Scarlet Ibis? Later, you are going to read a story about a scarlet ibis, and you have probably guessed that it will involve some symbolism. Wouldn't you agree that it would help to understand the story if you knew what a scarlet ibis was?
The following site has a picture of the scarlet ibis.
Click the link below to see a scarlet ibis.
Photograph of the scarlet ibis
What's so special about the scarlet ibis? Click on this site and be ready to answer some questions. The Scarlet Ibis
Record your answers to the following questions on your worksheet:
1) What is a scarlet ibis? Describe in detail.
2) Describe the environment in which the scarlet ibis lives.
3) How is environment important to the bird's survival?
Activity 4
Before you begin reading the short story, let's see if you really understand symbolism! Let's see if you can unlock the "mystery" and find the "meaning" in the following poem:
1. Read the poem carefully.
2. Write the specific clues that will aid in identifying the symbol.
3. Identify the symbol.
4. Provide a brief explanation or justification for your choice.
5. Submit your analysis to your teacher.
"First Lesson" by Philip Booth
Lie back, daughter, let your head be tipped back in the cup of my hand.
Gently, and I will hold you.
Spread your arms wide, lie out on the stream and look high at the gulls.
A dead- man's - float is face down.
You will dive and swim soon enough where this tidewater ebbs to the sea.
Daughter, believe me, when you tire on the long thrash to your island, lie up, and survive.
As you float now, where I held you and let go, remember when fear cramps your heart what I told you:
Lie gently and wide to the light-year stars, lie back, and the sea will hold you.
Answer the following questions:
1. The father is giving his daughter advice about floating. This first swim lesson dealing with floating also has a symbolic meaning. Not only is the father giving his daughter advice about floating, but he is also giving his daughter advice about ____________________.
2. Provide a brief explanation for your choice.
Activity 1
Defining Symbol and Symbolism
What is a symbol? Instead of going to the textbook for the answer, use the links to the following sites to find the definition of a symbol:
Glossary of Poetic(Literary) Terms
The next link will also help you in defining symbolism:
Online Literary Dictionary
Record this definition on your worksheet.
Activity 2
Examples of Symbolism
Lots of students dislike or fear literature, because they think they "don't get" the idea of symbolism.
Click on at least FIVE letters of the alphabet, choose ONE item for each letter, and record the symbolic meaning of each item.
Record your findings on your worksheet.
Alphabetic List of Symbols
Trees also have symbolism. Click on this next link to uncover the meanings of trees that you may know.
Then on the back of your paper, write a list 3 trees you may have seen or heard of and their symbolic meanings
Tree Symbolism
Activity 3
What is a Scarlet Ibis? Later, you are going to read a story about a scarlet ibis, and you have probably guessed that it will involve some symbolism. Wouldn't you agree that it would help to understand the story if you knew what a scarlet ibis was?
The following site has a picture of the scarlet ibis.
Click the link below to see a scarlet ibis.
Photograph of the scarlet ibis
What's so special about the scarlet ibis? Click on this site and be ready to answer some questions. The Scarlet Ibis
Record your answers to the following questions on your worksheet:
1) What is a scarlet ibis? Describe in detail.
2) Describe the environment in which the scarlet ibis lives.
3) How is environment important to the bird's survival?
Activity 4
Before you begin reading the short story, let's see if you really understand symbolism! Let's see if you can unlock the "mystery" and find the "meaning" in the following poem:
1. Read the poem carefully.
2. Write the specific clues that will aid in identifying the symbol.
3. Identify the symbol.
4. Provide a brief explanation or justification for your choice.
5. Submit your analysis to your teacher.
"First Lesson" by Philip Booth
Lie back, daughter, let your head be tipped back in the cup of my hand.
Gently, and I will hold you.
Spread your arms wide, lie out on the stream and look high at the gulls.
A dead- man's - float is face down.
You will dive and swim soon enough where this tidewater ebbs to the sea.
Daughter, believe me, when you tire on the long thrash to your island, lie up, and survive.
As you float now, where I held you and let go, remember when fear cramps your heart what I told you:
Lie gently and wide to the light-year stars, lie back, and the sea will hold you.
Answer the following questions:
1. The father is giving his daughter advice about floating. This first swim lesson dealing with floating also has a symbolic meaning. Not only is the father giving his daughter advice about floating, but he is also giving his daughter advice about ____________________.
2. Provide a brief explanation for your choice.