Introduction
I want to open class with a quick question on the board for students to sit and think about, regarding what their favorite movie is, if they can think of a symbol from the movie, and what this symbol might mean.
So with that being said, have you guys ever watched or read anything and noticed the repetition of a certain color that keeps popping up when a character is angry or scared? Or maybe you've read a story where a bird or a piece of jewelry seemed to mean more than it first appeared? Or most notably the overwhelming calm before a huge storm like event will erupt. That’s not coincidence at all, but rather symbolism working to create depth on the story and help illustrate the authors picture. Symbolism is the art of using objects, colors, settings, or even characters to represent deeper meanings, and or something that goes beyond its literal sense. A stormy night might stand for inner turmoil. A locked door might symbolize a hidden secret. The best authors practice something in writing called "show, don't tell" which ultimately is a really simple concept outside of its actualization. This is the way in which they don’t just tell us how characters might feel or what a story’s plot elements might be, but they show us through these symbolic elements as well as other descriptors.
With this being said, todays WebQuest should be fun. You're going to step into the shoes of a detective today. Your mission? To uncover the hidden meanings behind everyday objects and story elements that might seem ordinary—until you take a closer look. You'll work with a team, dive into classic and modern stories, explore cultural and emotional symbolism, and even find personal connections to the symbols you uncover. Hopefully, by the end, you’ll see how much more powerful a story becomes when every little detail has a purpose, and how writers use symbolism to connect us to universal truths, personal struggles, and unforgettable moments.
Task
You and your classmates will form small teams of 2–3. Each team will:
-
Choose a well-known short story, novel excerpt, or film scene rich in symbolism.
-
Identify and analyze key symbols within the text or scene.
-
Create a multimedia presentation (Google Slides, Canva, or video) that teaches others how those symbols support the story's themes and character development.
-
Write an 1 page reflection essay explaining your personal interpretation of a symbol and its emotional or cultural impact.
Process
Follow these steps with your team:
-
Form your group of 2–3 people and brainstorm 2–3 possible stories or scenes that contain meaningful symbols, which I'll approve your final choice.
-
Assign roles within your team:
-
Symbol Sleuth: Identifies the key symbols and their appearances.
-
Theme Tracker: Connects the symbols to larger themes or character development.
-
Context Captain: Researches author background, historical, and cultural context.
-
Creative Director: Oversees the design and flow of the final multimedia presentation.
-
-
Research the background of the author, context of the story, and commonly interpreted symbols within the narrative.
-
Compile your findings using the outside research with direct quotes and visual evidence if possible.
-
Design and rehearse your presentation—it should be around 5–7 minutes and include:
-
Introduction to the story/scene
-
Identification and analysis of 2–3 major symbols
-
Explanation of how each symbol contributes to the theme
-
Creative visual or audio elements to enhance your point
-
-
Individually write your Symbol Reflection Essay, connecting one symbol to your own life, culture, or current society.
Evaluation
Group Multimedia Presentation (Worth 50 points total)
-
Symbol identification (15 pts)
-
Connections and analysis (15 pts)
-
Creativity and design (10 pts)
-
Team collaboration and overall engagement (10 pts)
Individual Reflection Essay (30 points total)
-
Symbol explanation and deeper insight (10 pts)
-
Personal connection (10 pts)
-
Structure, grammar, and originality (10 pts)
Participation and Process (20 points total)
-
Role fulfillment, deadlines met (10 pts)
-
Peer evaluation (10 pts)
Conclusion
Now that you've explored how authors use symbols not only to develop themes and characters, but to speak to readers on a more personal, emotional, and even cultural level. But this isn’t just a skill for reading books.
Symbolism is all around you, in every day life. It lives in movies, and music videos you watch, it lives in brand logos, artwork, political movements, and even the clothes people wear as physical expression. Being able to recognize symbols and understand what they represent gives you an edge—it helps you think more critically about things, ask more questions, and uncover the deeper meanings in more casual life experiences, that you might not have before.
So, as you move on from this WebQuest, I hope you take that skill with you. I don't want you to just read or watch things, but to really think. Not only should you ask questions but, ask yourself: Why this? Why here? What’s really being said? Great storytellingisn't just about what happens, but rather what things means. So, I hope you'll keep reading between the lines, and maybe you’ll never look at a story, or the world, the same way again.
Credits
Teacher Page
7R4 / 9-10R4: Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the cumulative impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone.