Let's solve each of the three symbolism problems on the worksheet step by step.
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1. Sarah was lost. Should she go to college or the army? She cried to her counselor, Mr. Murray. He had long black hair and wore a vest. An owl hooted outside his window. "Fear not. I can show you the way," said Mr. Murray. Sarah felt better. She knew that Mr. Murray would help her.
What is the symbol?
👉 *The owl*
What does the symbol represent?
👉 The owl represents
wisdom and guidance. In many cultures, owls are associated with wisdom, especially in literature and mythology (e.g., Athena’s owl in Greek mythology). Here, the owl hoots just as Mr. Murray offers reassurance and direction to Sarah, who is uncertain about her future. The owl symbolizes the idea that wisdom and guidance are available when one is lost or facing difficult decisions.
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2. Dina sat in her apartment and felt stuck. She wanted to go to school, but she had to work to get money. She wanted to see the world, but she had to pay rent. She looked out the window of her tiny room. Her pet bird was singing in its cage. Dina let a handful of seeds fall through the bars of the birdcage. She sang a lullaby. Her voice was sweet.
What is the symbol?
👉 *The bird in the cage*
What does the symbol represent?
👉 The caged bird represents
Dina’s own feelings of being trapped and restricted by life circumstances. Just like the bird cannot fly free despite singing beautifully, Dina has dreams and desires (to go to school, travel) but is confined by financial responsibilities and daily struggles. The bird symbolizes
longing for freedom and the desire to escape limitations, even while still finding beauty and comfort in small moments (like singing).
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3. The judge eyed the lawyer as she argued her case. This judge happened to have a scale on his bench, like the kind that balances. The lawyer closed her case and the judge was silent. His eyes burned into the suspect. He had one hand on his jawline, another on the scales. The court waited for his decision.
What is the symbol?
👉 *The scale on the judge’s bench*
What does the symbol represent?
👉 The scale represents
justice and fairness. Scales are a traditional symbol of justice, often seen in depictions of Lady Justice. They represent the idea of weighing evidence and making balanced, impartial decisions. In this scene, the judge placing his hand on the scales emphasizes that he is carefully considering both sides before delivering a verdict. The scale symbolizes the
importance of balance, truth, and fairness in the legal system.
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✔ Summary of Answers:
| Question | Symbol | What It Represents |
|--------|--------|--------------------|
| 1 | Owl | Wisdom and guidance |
| 2 | Bird in the cage | Feeling trapped; longing for freedom |
| 3 | Scale on the bench | Justice and fairness |
This worksheet helps students understand how objects in stories can carry deeper meanings beyond their literal presence — that’s the essence of
symbolism!
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of ereadingworksheet.
