Symbols of Persephone

Themes, symbols, and motifs come alive when you use a storyboard. In this activity, students will identify objects that are important symbols for the characters or bigger ideas, and support their choices with details from the text.

The example below uses the Persephone Abduction myth, but many Greek myths that attempt to explain something have important symbols.

Symbols to Look For and Discuss in the Myth of Hades and Persephone

Pomegranate

The pomegranate is a symbol for life and abundance, but also for death. The many seeds show the capability of new life & new growth. However, the pomegranate seems to bleed if it is cut, and it is the one thing that ties Persephone to the world of the dead.

Winter

Winter represents the time that Persephone spends in the Underworld. The living world seems suspended because the plants "die", the weather becomes harsh, and the days are shorter and darker.

Spring

Spring is Persephone's time. She returns from the Underworld and is reunited with her mother. Days become longer and warmer, plants come alive, and animals become active.

Student Instructions

Create a storyboard depicting important symbols in the story of Persephone.

1. Use the template provided by your teacher.
2. Identify important symbols in the story.
3. Describe how the symbols are important to the story.
4. Illustrate each example with appropriate images, scenes, characters, and items.