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IWW
Practice-W Exercise Archives
Exercise: Symbolism (Version 3)
These exercises were written
by IWW
members
and administrators to provide structured practice opportunities for its
members.
You are welcome to use them for practice as well. Please mention that
you found
them at the Internet Writers Workshop
(http://www.internetwritingworkshop.org/).
Prepared
by: Pat Johnson
Posted on: March 18, 2001
Reposted, revised, on: October 8, 2006
EXERCISE:
In 500 words or less, write a scene using a symbol that is central to
the story. Try to
find a symbol that has not been overused.
Symbols are objects, images, places, or anything an author uses to
represent
something else. A symbol may stand for an ideal, an emotion, or a
relationship. Some examples of symbols are
rivers, ocean, sky, flowers, trees and bridges.
Symbols can be original and unique to your story only or common symbols
as
mentioned above. The same symbol used in different stories can change
in its
representation depending upon how it is used. A river is a common
symbol used
frequently, yet it might symbolize life, a journey, an uncontrollable
force, or a
motivation.
Finding the right balance is key: if the symbol is too abstract, or
misrepresented, the
symbolism is lost; reveal too many details, the symbol becomes obvious.
The symbol
should help to clarify the story.:
EXERCISE:
In 500 words or less, write a scene using a symbol that is central to
the story. Try to find a symbol that has not been overused.:
CRITIQUING::
Identify the symbol as you see it and explain what it represents to
you. Tell why you think this particular object is the symbol the author
was presenting and whether you think it worked as the author intended.
The interpretation of the symbol can differ from individual to
individual based on what we bring to the story. Your understanding may
well be different from that of others
Web site created by
Rhéal Nadeau and
the administrators of the Internet Writing Workshop.
Modified by Gayle Surrette.
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