Trees as Symbols in Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson精品.pptVIP

Trees as Symbols in Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson Trees as Symbols… In Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson Directions for this Lesson: Today you will be learning about the symbolism Laurie Halse Anderson uses surrounding “trees”. Some parts of the lesson are presenting new information. Anything you find important, you should take notes on, just as you would off the board. Anything in red italics is a question for the group to discuss. * WHAT IS A SYMBOL? A word, phrase, or image that has complex meanings. In other words, when a certain object, picture or idea is used in literature to really represent something else, it is a symbol. If you are reading and a certain idea or object keeps reappearing, being described in interesting and complicated ways, there is a good chance it is meant to be looked at on a deeper level…perhaps a symbol of something else! For example: We notice that Laurie Halse Anderson continually brings up trees in Speak, so it becomes our job as the reader to look deeper into why she makes such a big deal about trees. What is she really trying to get us to see? * What is a tree, really? A tree is a plant that occurs in many different forms. Trees show a variety of formations—including different leaf type and shape, bark characteristics, and reproductive organs. Compared with most other plants, trees are long-lived, some reaching several thousand years old and growing to up to 379?ft high. * Melinda’s Connection to Trees… -Melinda first starts thinking about trees when She draws “TREE”” out of a globe for her year-long art assignment in Mr. Freeman’s class. -At first she is annoyed, thinking, “Tree? That is too easy! Anyone can draw a tree. But she soon comes to realize the complexity and beauty that lies within the subject. -As the novel continues, we start to see that Melinda has a deeper connection to trees than just an art assignment…it’s up to us to find the other Meanings that lie within the text……………….. * The Roots of a Tree