Discussion+Question+8

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8. Symbolism is when the author uses an object or reference to add deeper meaning to a story. Symbolism in literature can be subtle or obvious, used sparingly or heavy-handedly. An author may repeatedly use the same object to convey deeper meaning or may use variations of the same object to create an overarching mood or feeling. Symbolism is often used to support a literary theme in a subtle manner. In The City of Ember, Clary and Lina were looking at a bean in the greenhouse. What does the bean symbolize?

// Jarod: // I think that the bean symbolizes //Life.// In the book when Lina and Clary were looking at the bean, Clary was asking Lina where she thinks the life from the bean came from. This is what I think the bean symbol.

Matthew:

The bean is a symbol of growing up because the bean goes from one stage to the next like being a seed to being a sprout to being a plant.