Symbols Introduction As a human, we use symbols to represent abstract and non-tangible ideas. For example, a country’s flag stands in for a country’s nationalism. In stories and plays, we use symbols to add meaning and depth. You can usually identify a symbol if your attention is drawn to an object during the story, and the object carries meaning itself. For example, if a drawing-room in a story has red, drab velvet curtains, then you can infer that the family living in the house is not well off but had money at one point. Learning Resources Video: Semiotics Analysis for Beginners! How to read signs in film Roland Barthes, May 2, 2019, Media Insider This video discusses semiotics or the study of signs. What are symbols, and how do we use them? Estimated Time/Run time: 9:22 Video: How symbols and brands shape our humanity- Debbie Millman, TED Mar 6, 2020 Estimated Time/Run time: 14:12 Putting it All Together After watching the videos and reading the play ″A Raisin in the Sun″, consider what symbols did you notice in the play? What meanings do the symbols have? Why does it matter? How You’ll Be Assessed Make a visual slide with a picture of the symbolic object and a short paragraph (150 words) explaining what the symbol represents and how it impacts the play. Be sure to use evidence from the play.
