Topic 168: Symbolism in Art and Literature

A1-A2 (Beginner-Elementary)

1. What is symbolism in art and literature?

2. Can you think of an example of a symbol in a story or painting?

3. Why do artists or writers use symbols?

4. What does a red rose usually symbolize?

5. What is your favorite symbol in a book or painting?

6. How do symbols help people understand a story or artwork better?

7. What do you think a bird flying represents in art?

8. Can you think of a symbol that represents peace or love?

9. How does the use of colors in art or literature create meaning?

10. What is the meaning of a heart in a story or painting?

11. Do you think symbols can have different meanings in different cultures? Why?

12. What symbols do you see in everyday life?

13. Why do some symbols have many different meanings?

14. What do you think a dark storm cloud might represent in a story?

15. How do symbols help express emotions in art or stories?

16. How can a symbol be used to show the main idea of a story?

B1-B2 (Intermediate-Upper Intermediate)

17. What role does symbolism play in understanding literature and art?

18. Why do authors and artists choose to use symbols instead of describing things directly?

19. What are some examples of symbols that represent power or strength in stories or paintings?

20. How does the use of symbols change the way we interpret a work of art or literature?

21. Why do different people interpret symbols in different ways?

22. How can you identify a symbol in a piece of literature or a work of art?

23. What do you think a broken mirror might symbolize in literature or art?

24. How do symbols help create deeper meanings in a story or artwork?

25. What symbols are often used to represent good and evil?

26. How can understanding symbolism help you enjoy and appreciate literature or art more?

27. Why do some symbols appear in many different cultures or works of art?

28. What is the significance of using nature as a symbol in art and literature?

29. How does the use of symbols change depending on the genre of literature or type of art?

30. What do you think of when you see the color black used in paintings or stories?

31. How can a symbol reveal a character’s emotions or intentions in literature?

32. How does symbolism in art or literature reflect the time period in which it was created?

C1-C2 (Advanced-Proficient)

33. How does the use of symbolism in literature and art create layers of meaning for the audience?

34. How does the historical context influence the symbolism used by artists and writers?

35. What is the relationship between symbolism and themes in literature and art?

36. How do symbols evolve in different artistic or literary movements (e.g., Romanticism, Surrealism)?

37. How do writers and artists use symbolism to convey abstract or complex concepts?

38. What are some of the most significant symbolic works in literature and art, and how are they interpreted?

39. How does the use of symbolism in literature challenge readers to think critically about the story’s meaning?

40. How do cultural and societal values shape the symbols used in art and literature?

41. What role does irony play in the use of symbolism in literature?

42. How can a single symbol be interpreted in multiple ways depending on the context of the work?

43. How do modern authors and artists continue to use or challenge traditional symbolism in their works?

44. How do symbols in literature and art reflect the psychology of the characters or the artist’s state of mind?

45. How does the use of symbolism in art and literature explore themes like identity, power, or freedom?

46. How do symbols in different genres of literature (e.g., poetry vs. prose) function in similar or different ways?

47. What are the ethical and cultural considerations in using symbols that have historically been associated with negative connotations?

48. How can the study of symbolism in literature and art deepen our understanding of human experiences and emotions?