New
New
Year 10
Eduqas

Exploring and using symbols in creative writing

I can analyse the use of symbols in fiction and craft a symbol in my own writing.

New
New
Year 10
Eduqas

Exploring and using symbols in creative writing

I can analyse the use of symbols in fiction and craft a symbol in my own writing.

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. In narratives, objects can symbolise key themes or ideas.
  2. Galloway's key symbol is the cello which could represent hope, joy or defiance.
  3. You can craft a symbol in your own narrative through the use of an important object, colour, weather or event.
  4. Using adjectives to describe the object can help the symbol take on its intended meaning.
  5. The way in which a character treats or interacts with an object can help bring the meaning of your symbol to life.

Common misconception

Pupils may use objects to symbolise ideas but the object may not quite match the idea e.g. violence represented by a flower.

Thinking about the feelings that an object makes us feel might help us to decide whether it will be an appropriate symbolic object.

Keywords

  • Symbol - something that represents intangible ideas; for example, a rose as a symbol for love

  • Defiance - behaviour in which you refuse to obey something or someone

  • Illuminate - make something visible or bright by shining light on it

Discuss objects that would not be effective in symbolising certain ideas to help students better craft their own writing.
Teacher tip

Equipment

You will need access to the Chapter 1 of 'The Cellist of Sarajevo' for this lesson.

Content guidance

  • Depiction or discussion of upsetting content
  • Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Supervision

Adult supervision recommended

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

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6 Questions

Q1.
What is a symbol in narrative writing?
when you compare two things using the words 'like' or 'as'
Correct answer: when an object within your narrative represents an abstract idea
when you repeat a phrase throughout your writing
Q2.
What might the colour red symbolise?
Correct answer: danger
hope
joy
Q3.
What symbol does the opening of 'The Cellist of Sarajevo' focus on?
art
literature
Correct answer: music
Q4.
Which of the below sentences contains an adjective?
The poppy bloomed in the field.
In the field, the poppy bloomed peacefully.
Correct answer: The vibrant poppy bloomed in the field.
Q5.
Which of the below is tangible?
hope
love
resilience
Correct answer: tree
Q6.
Which of the below is an abstract idea?
a court
Correct answer: justice
a judge

6 Questions

Q1.
What is the key symbol in the opening of 'The Cellist of Sarajevo'?
a painting
Correct answer: a cello
bread
Q2.
Match each symbol in 'The Cellist of Sarajevo' to the abstract idea it could represent.
Correct Answer:tuxedo,normality, routine, control

normality, routine, control

Correct Answer:blood,violence, loss

violence, loss

Correct Answer:wedding,love, family

love, family

Q3.
What object would best symbolise sadness?
a coat
Correct answer: a broken window
a flower
Q4.
How might we describe a poppy if the poppy symbolises hope?
a wilting poppy
Correct answer: a bright crimson poppy
a lonely poppy
Q5.
What can we do to craft our symbols effectively?
Correct answer: describe the way a character interacts with the symbolic object
use the symbol twice
make every symbol link together
Q6.
How might a soldier interact with a letter if the letter symbolises hope?
Correct answer: he might clutch it
he might toss it away
he might skim-read it