Ransom themes and symbols

[Alienmobman]

Hey guys,
How important are the symbols we see in the book and how do we incorporate them into our essays?
And what are your general tips for text response essay writing?

Cheers
 

[dilks]

How important are the symbols we see in the book

They are as important as you make them out to be (it's up to you to decide how much to bullshit about them).

Also haven't you guys already done your Ransom SAC?...

[DetteAmelie]

Hey guys,
How important are the symbols we see in the book and how do we incorporate them into our essays?
And what are your general tips for text response essay writing?

Cheers

How important are the symbols we see in the book
Symbols serve to extend meaning, therefore they are IMPORTANT in understanding the wider concepts (themes) explored within the text.

how do we incorporate them into our essays?
Well, after you've identified the symbols in the text you need to further unpack why they're used and what they are used to represent.
For instance, if this was the prompt 'Priam yearns for simplicity. Discuss' (bad example but whatever) You could explore the significance of the griddlecakes (which Malouf spends a decent amount of time exploring), which imo is used to represent the simpler things in life. You could unpack how it entices Priam to feel particularly intrigued by the mundane. This is not a strong example, but I've only used it illustrate my point. Do you understand what I am trying to say?

Honestly, including symbols into your essay just adds another layer of complexity and sophistication to your piece.

And what are your general tips for text response essay writing?
I really can't give any tips about text response, so I'll let someone else answer this. All I can say is....PRACTICE AND REFINE!

They are as important as you make them out to be (it's up to you to decide how much to bullshit about them).

Also haven't you guys already done your Ransom SAC?...

I haven't done mine either.

[dilks]

I haven't done mine either.

I was specifically asking because he was an MHS student. And from past experience they have usually done their Ransom SAC by now.

[DetteAmelie]

I was specifically asking because he was an MHS student. And from past experience they have usually done their Ransom SAC by now.

Ah, I see now.

[Alienmobman]

How important are the symbols we see in the book
Symbols serve to extend meaning, therefore they are IMPORTANT in understanding the wider concepts (themes) explored within the text.

how do we incorporate them into our essays?
Well, after you've identified the symbols in the text you need to further unpack why they're used and what they are used to represent.
For instance, if this was the prompt 'Priam yearns for simplicity. Discuss' (bad example but whatever) You could explore the significance of the griddlecakes (which Malouf spends a decent amount of time exploring), which imo is used to represent the simpler things in life. You could unpack how it entices Priam to feel particularly intrigued by the mundane. This is not a strong example, but I've only used it illustrate my point. Do you understand what I am trying to say?

Honestly, including symbols into your essay just adds another layer of complexity and sophistication to your piece.

Thanks a lot buddy, i get your point. What are some of the symbols you have analysed so far? i just got the cakes, chickenhawks, foul smell/filth and podarces

Also haven't you guys already done your Ransom SAC?...

nah mate, not yet we are doing it next week because we have no mid year exams.

[DetteAmelie]

Thanks a lot buddy, i get your point. What are some of the symbols you have analysed so far? i just got the cakes, chickenhawks, foul smell/filth and podarces

They seem to be the major ones from what I've gathered.
I just want to clarify something though. I think I may have placed too much emphasis on the use of symbols in text response; only use it if you can. If you can't, don't stress and don't bother trying to embed it within your essay. If it doesn't fit, leave it. For example, if you're given a prompt regarding the role of women it would be difficult to even mention symbols within your essay. You won't lose marks for not having explored and unpacked the symbols in your text response, like I said earlier it just adds complexity.

So, don't stress if you can't mention it in your SAC. Also, good luck! I hope all goes well

[dilks]

if you're given a prompt regarding the role of women it would be difficult to even mention symbols within your essay.

Well actually if you understood the symbolic role of donkeys in the novel you could probably tie them in with the role of women.