English 12 FP Novel Study Play-Clay Character Symbolism
1. Find a partner who is reading the same book as you (you may work independently if you wish) 2. Choose two main characters from the book 3. For each character you must create 3 symbols (6 symbols total) 4. Each symbol must represent a quality of the character’s personality, motivation, point of view, or their role in the story (move beyond the literal!)
Poor Symbol: a) A green car (because the character drives a green car) b) A soccer ball (because the character likes to play soccer)
Strong Symbol: a) A broken chain (because the character is destroying the unity of the family)
Ask yourself: What key actions does the character take in the story? What motivates them to do what they do? What relationship do they have with other characters in the novel? What type of person are they? Does the character represent any key beliefs or ideas? Does the character learn a lesson or change in anyway? To Be Handed In: 1. A list and description of each of your symbols. 2. At least one piece of evidence from the novel to justify your choice of symbol. 3. Put names and novel title on your paper.
Example: McMurphy in “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” Symbol: A wave crashing against a cliff Why: he keeps coming back again and again despite being thrown back Evidence to support this choice of symbol:
A)He challenges the Big Nurse with baseball game (T.V.) B) He rams his fist through the window after it is repaired C) He continues to try and rally the other patients D) He slowly wears down the institution (like erosion) despite horrible punishments for his rebellion such as shock treatments