Symbols and symbolism

Learn what symbols are and how to find them in literature. Includes a brief segment on symbols in To Kill a Mockingbird.

The value in learning about symbols is that it teaches you to see beyond the surface of a thing, of a person, of a real-life situation or event, and see the abstract relationships at work there. If you can find meaning in a book’s symbols, then you can find meaning in your own life and your own world.

This is a revised version of my 2013 video, with a factual error corrected. Select 720p for sharper images.

Twitter @mistersato411

[no-onrh]

teacher: watch this vid!



me *M O B Y D I C K*

[mariajames-thiaw]

"Learning to think, not just know is the most valuable thing you can learn in school." Words I live by.

[billperryman]

This is clear and simple, brief and to the point. It let us all understand that what we read...and, to a certain extent, what fiction we write....is open to interpretation. For example, one person might perceive that A is making something for B because A is giving B an object which is useful, for example, it might be a mixing spoon. Another person might see that object as being a weapon of some sort. Both are right for themselves, but a third person might, quite legitimately, disagree with both of them. Each person will have their own 'truth', but, hopefully, agree to disagree.
A good writer will understand the wider context of what those words mean, or will mean. However, it is sometimes quite fascinating that an author might miss the significance of some item, some action, and a reader will understand something else about the possible symbolism. That's ok too.

[Allyahs_World]

Hi! I just wanted to say thank you for making these videos. You really break things down so anyone can understand them and I APPRECIATE YOU. You are the best! Thanks again Mister Sato!

[rells]

It is amazing how we use symbolism daily throughout our lives. Subconsciously we do our best to provide context for the symbolism we provide. One example of this is text messages. We often say things through text. However, the tone is often lost until after we add emojis to it. a Smiley face, a heart, or a crying face, are all part of the symbolism.

[form]

I’m doing this for my project, im probs gonna fail

[supremereader]

That was a great video I thought! I think it'll actually enrich my life a bit looking for symbols. thanks

[ShawNshawN]

Pretty good analysis of symbols, but I think I like real life examples from film to understand the application thoroughly.

[messisantos]

The first exemple( eggs and pan= brain and drugs) is like a metaphor, in my opinion.

[jamesrevelscomposer]

This was an awesome intro to symbolism

[kshinoa]

im watching this because of my teacher 👁👄👁 this was due 3 months ago

[davijones]

95 dislikes= 95 people with fried eggs for brains.

[coduxdk]

Proper symbols are used to associate an image with the realm of ideas as conceived by Socrates, Aristotle etc. this is no easy stuff to comprehend at all.
Allegories are the same for political concepts and representations are the signs we use to convey the notion of love, passion, joy, sadness etc. Don't mix them up !

[larissaisonfire]

this guy sounds like the phone dude from fnaf sister location

[TerriMarieReh]

Thank you for all your hard work. My 6th graders truly enjoy your videos. 

[ginnyl.]

Will you please make a video about how to write a conclusion for an essay? Your videos have helped me so much! Writing conclusions is now my only fault in my writing. And I would really like some advice...

[culhacol]

Who else had to watch this for school?

[laylover]

thanks, this is a pretty dynamic educational vid, noice

[rezopolis]

Question: Is there an official way to distinguish Symbols that are way more emotionally charged for a specific person than a Symbol that just entered their minds?
Because I use a lot this word, and I'm starting to get sick of the lack of variety.
I personally separated the "weight" of symbols into the words Badge and Emblem, but I'm not sure if there is already a therm to this situation.
Somebody?

[Dave-wnmp]

Can I use School locker as a symbol? I hope you would answer it because I have no Idea on it.