Homework!

This week we've been looking at SYMBOLISM .

We talked about the symbolism in the front cover art for the famous book 'Twilight' and thought about the kinds of symbols we see around us every day that work like a code - symbols that we associate with religions, or with ideas, or with products or companies.

When they want to communicate ideas in their work, poets often use symbols as a way to make the reader think of lots of other things.

In 'Valentine', Carol Ann Duffy chooses not to use the cliched, familiar symbols of love (roses, hearts, flowers etc) and instead makes her own symbol of love: the onion. It's surprising and funny at first, but she shows us how this makes sense and has real truth to it as well. She makes us think about onions in a new way, finding unexpected beauty in them, as well as showing us the less pretty parts of love.

So for your homework this week, we're going to think about symbols. I'd like you to think hard about who you are, your strengths and weaknesses and dreams and values, and decide what would be a really good symbol to represent YOU.

Please prepare this on a piece of paper (you can print it or make it by hand) with a picture and an explanation of why this is a good symbol for you. You should have at least 3 good reasons why this image could signify you.

(DON'T come with a picture of something you like and say "I like dogs so my symbol is a dog." It's not just something that you like. It's something that can REPRESENT you.)