Example
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Symbolism is an important element in many literary works. Part of the Common Core ELA standards is introducing and explaining this complex concept. Like themes, these ideas are abstract and are often difficult for students to grasp on their own. This is why using a storyboard is helpful. Storyboards allow students to visually demonstrate their understanding of a concept like symbolism.
In the classroom, students can track the six symbols that "The Wedding Dance" uses to communicate ideas about culture and marriage.
The gangsas are culturally important. The sound of the gangsas represents the man in the wedding ceremony. Like the gangsas, they are strong and provide a beat to the dance, or a "beat to life".
Culturally, the dancing is a celebration of happiness. It is also a show of sexuality by the women. Because Lumnay has not produced a child, she feels ashamed to dance and show herself to the other men, as she believes no one will look at her.
The fire or flames signify the burning intensity of both love and hate that Lumnay feels in the situation. When Awiyao stirs the embers in Lumnay’s dark hut, he stirs up both of these feelings in her. Later, as Lumnay watches the bonfire from afar, her physical distance from the fire reflects her emotional separation from the man she loves.
The beads in the story symbolize the promise that Awiyao made to Lumnay. They are also very precious and are worth 20 fields. The fact that Awiyao gives them to Lumnay shows that he cherishes her, and that he still believes she has worth. Although Lumnay rejects the hut and field Awiayo offers her, she accepts the beads, suggesting her desire to remain connected to Awiyao.
A number of times the narrator draws the reader’s attention to the rattan floor as Lumnay pulls it apart. This is symbolic of their marriage unraveling.
The nighttime setting symbolically adds to the darkness and isolation that Lumnay feels as she runs away from the village. As she works her way up the dark mountain alone, she is unable to envision a path to the future. The reader, too, is left in darkness with the unresolved ending.
Grade Level 6-8
Difficulty Level 5 (Advanced / Mastery)
Type of Assignment Individual, Partner, or Group
Type of Activity: Themes, Symbols & Motifs
Common Core Standards(This will start a 2-Week Free Trial - No Credit Card Needed)
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Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that identifies significant symbols from "The Wedding Dance". Illustrate each symbol and write a short description below each cell.
Template
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(Modify this basic rubric by clicking the link below. You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
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