Lord of the Flies
Personal Symbolism
Symbolism: the use of symbols or anything that is meant to be taken both literally and as representative of a higher and more complex significance
For this assignment you will choose a symbol that represents you. It must be something that you can bring to class, preferably nothing too large. The object must be brought in and given to me by ___________________. The key here is to keep your mouth shut about what it is that you are bringing in as that symbol. The object may be picked up at the end of the day Tuesday, March 28. Please do not leave the object on my desk, but hand it to me personally so I can record what it is and whom it belongs to.
Secondly, you need to write a short, 150-200 word, explanation of how that symbol represents you. You must, however, avoid in your explanation anything that would directly give you away. For example, you can’t write, “I chose this article because I was the captain of the football team.” You can say, “I chose this article because it represents a fall sport, one in which I participate.” This gives a hint but does not give away the person. Likewise, you can’t write, “I chose this article because I attend such-and-such church.” You can say, “I chose this article because its shape as a cross represents spirituality, which I value in my life.”
The paper MUST be word-processed.
1: 150-200 word explanation. Provide word count at the bottom of the page. (25 points)
2: Explanation that does not give away the individual, yet is specific enough to allow an audience to make an intelligent guess. (50 points)
3: Object and explanation turned in by ____________________. (25 points)
DUE: _________________________
EXAMPLE 1
I chose the clock because of its shape. It is round and I think that that relates to me in almost everything I do. For example, I have a rounded personality allowing me to get to know a wide variety of people. Because of this, making and keeping friends comes seemingly natural to me. My athletics are also rounded in a sense. I am decent in both a fall sport and a spring sport. My job, which I excel at as well, also requires me to be athletic. Often at meals, I tend to intake a large amount of food sometimes giving me a quite round appearance.
Another way a clock symbolizes me, is its constant and perpetual tick. My attitude is practically unvarying through all the ups and downs of life. My hardworking mentality is steady in everything I do as well. These reasons are why I chose a clock to symbolize me. (155)
EXAMPLE 2
I was given the opportunity to pick anything I wanted to describe how I might perceive myself. You can all see that I have chosen a Signal Horn, a.k.a. an Air Horn. There are many aspects of my life that I believe I can reveal about myself through this simple object.
The air horn is an object that just catches your ear, if you want it to or not and even an eye of an authority. It is very spontaneous and I feel that I can relate to that. I will just get up and go, or try and get something going like the air horn gets everyone riled up.
I chose this object because this thing is very loud. The number one place I have seen and heard it is in our very own gym. I love sports and participate in many, and when I’m not out fighting for my school, I am in those bleachers trying to be as loud as ever.
The sad part about my explanation is that it is not full of nice things about me. The air horn is a very annoying object because it is so loud and addictive to use over and over again. I think that some people find me annoying for a couple of reasons. One because I am very loud and my voice carries quite well, and two because I can be a hyperactive person when the time doesn’t always call for it. (214)
EXAMPLE 3
I chose this symbol to represent me because like me, it is artistic and creative. It can be messy and annoying sometimes, but if properly utilized to its full potential, it can be used to create beautiful things. This symbol is colorful and lots of fun to play with. It can sometimes make you laugh, or can sometimes act temperamental and not do the things you want it to. It can be used to set moods or tones, whether they’re happy, mysterious, depressing, or surprising. I chose the symbol because it is easily moveable and mixable and can go almost anywhere. You can tell what the symbol is trying to say just by looking at the colors it’s displaying, much like the way I wear my heart on my sleeve. This symbol is like me in that, at times, it can be warm and inviting, or, at other times, cold and discouraging. I chose this symbol because it tries to leave its mark on whatever it touches and cannot easily be washed off, once it gets on you, you’re going to have a tough time getting it off. (189)
EXAMPLE 4
A cat represents many aspects of me. I am a very sleepy person and if my schedule allows I like to take long naps whenever I can, just like cats that sit around all day. I am also very self-absorbed like cats are; I don’t want anything to do with what is going on around me unless it catches my attention or involves me…then I am 100% into it. Like most cats, I am also very clever and manipulative. I don’t use sheer force or brawn to get people to do what I want; I reason with them and, if necessary, play mind games with them to further my agenda. I also excel in more brain-based activities than in athletics. I’ve seen this many times with a cat and its owner, where the cat uses clever tactics to get its way. Lastly, I am physically built like a cat…well, kind of. I’m a somewhat hairy person with a slight build, like many cats I have seen.
EXAMPLE 5
I chose this musical jester, because it represents who I am inside and outside. First of all, this jester’s completely black and white, except for the lips. This is the way I am with the world. I am a black or white thinker; you’re either for something or you’re against it. There’s no room for in between with me. The red of the lips represents my passion about the things I have strong opinions on. If I’m for something, I’m 100% for it.
Secondly, this jester’s trapped in a box. This box is symbolic of the stereotype that I’m stuck in and have been stuck in. She’s trapped just as I’m trapped in the stereotypical box of being a smart kid. Also, she dances gently to, “Send in the Clowns.” This represents that fact that I am a musician.
Finally, she is smiling, but has a tear on one cheek. This represents my emotional side. I’m the type of person that doesn’t like to cry in front of people, so when I do, I try to smile through it and put on a brave face even though my insides are aching. This jester’s crying but trying her best to smile and dance to her song.
PERSONAL SYMBOLISM
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