Symbolism worksheet - Free Printable

Problem Overview:

The task involves understanding symbolism and applying it to interpret symbols in a given context. The document provides an explanation of symbolism, examples of common symbols and their meanings, and two tasks for practice.

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Task 1: Copy the following table and write each symbol's intended meaning.

#### Symbols Provided:
- Snake
- Broken mirror
- Light
- Chain
- Forest
- Sunflower

#### Solution:
We will use general knowledge of symbolism or reference common interpretations of these symbols:

| Symbol | Meaning |
|--------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Snake | Often represents danger, temptation, or transformation (e.g., shedding skin). |
| Broken mirror | Represents shattered self-image, loss, or broken relationships. |
| Light | Symbolizes hope, clarity, enlightenment, or guidance. |
| Chain | Represents bondage, restriction, or connection (depending on context). |
| Forest | Can symbolize mystery, growth, or the unknown; also, a place of reflection. |
| Sunflower | Often represents loyalty, adoration, or a connection to nature. |

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Task 2: Read the following poem and write an interpretation of each of the following symbols: Rose, worm, storm, night, and bed.

#### Poem: *"The Sick Rose"* by William Blake
```
O Rose, thou art sick!
The invisible worm,
That flies in the night,
In the howling storm,
Has found out thy bed
Of crimson joy,
And his dark secret love
Does thy life destroy.
```

#### Symbols to Interpret:
1. Rose
2. Worm
3. Storm
4. Night
5. Bed

#### Solution:
We will analyze each symbol based on its context in the poem and common symbolic meanings.

1. Rose:
- Context in the poem: The rose is described as "sick," which suggests vulnerability or decay.
- Symbolic meaning: Traditionally, a rose symbolizes beauty, love, and purity. However, in this poem, the rose's sickness indicates that its beauty is being corrupted or destroyed. It could represent innocence, love, or life itself being threatened.

2. Worm:
- Context in the poem: The worm is described as "invisible," "flying in the night," and having a "dark secret love." It is the agent causing the rose's destruction.
- Symbolic meaning: Worms are often associated with decay, corruption, or hidden threats. In this poem, the worm symbolizes a destructive force, possibly representing sin, evil, or a hidden enemy that preys on innocence or beauty.

3. Storm:
- Context in the poem: The storm is mentioned as part of the environment where the worm operates ("flies in the night, in the howling storm").
- Symbolic meaning: Storms typically symbolize chaos, turmoil, or destructive forces. Here, the storm enhances the sense of danger and emphasizes the chaotic and uncontrollable nature of the worm's actions.

4. Night:
- Context in the poem: The worm is said to fly "in the night," indicating that its activities occur under cover of darkness.
- Symbolic meaning: Night often symbolizes mystery, darkness, or the unknown. In this context, it highlights the secrecy and hidden nature of the worm's destructive actions, suggesting that evil thrives in the shadows.

5. Bed:
- Context in the poem: The worm has "found out thy bed," implying that it has discovered the rose's resting place or sanctuary.
- Symbolic meaning: A bed typically symbolizes rest, safety, or intimacy. Here, the bed represents the rose's vulnerable state, showing that even in its safe haven, the rose is not protected from the worm's attack.

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Final Answers:

#### Task 1:
| Symbol | Meaning |
|--------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Snake | Danger, temptation, transformation |
| Broken mirror | Shattered self-image, loss, broken relationships |
| Light | Hope, clarity, enlightenment, guidance |
| Chain | Bondage, restriction, connection |
| Forest | Mystery, growth, the unknown, reflection |
| Sunflower | Loyalty, adoration, connection to nature |

#### Task 2:
1. Rose: Symbolizes beauty, love, and purity, but in the poem, it represents something vulnerable and being corrupted.
2. Worm: Symbolizes a destructive force, such as sin, evil, or a hidden threat.
3. Storm: Symbolizes chaos, turmoil, and the destructive power of nature or evil.
4. Night: Symbolizes mystery, darkness, and the unknown, emphasizing the secrecy of the worm's actions.
5. Bed: Symbolizes rest, safety, or intimacy, but here it represents the rose's vulnerability, even in its sanctuary.

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Final Answer Box:

\boxed{
\begin{array}{|c|c|}
\hline
\textbf{Symbol} & \textbf{Meaning} \\
\hline
\text{Snake} & \text{Danger, temptation, transformation} \\
\text{Broken mirror} & \text{Shattered self-image, loss, broken relationships} \\
\text{Light} & \text{Hope, clarity, enlightenment, guidance} \\
\text{Chain} & \text{Bondage, restriction, connection} \\
\text{Forest} & \text{Mystery, growth, the unknown, reflection} \\
\text{Sunflower} & \text{Loyalty, adoration, connection to nature} \\
\hline
\end{array}
}
\boxed{
\begin{array}{l}
\text{Rose: Beauty, love, purity (vulnerable)} \\
\text{Worm: Destructive force, sin, hidden threat} \\
\text{Storm: Chaos, turmoil, destructive power} \\
\text{Night: Mystery, darkness, secrecy} \\
\text{Bed: Rest, safety, vulnerability} \\
\end{array}
}