Symbolism

Symbolism

Symbolism is basically something that represents something else. (object, event, person and etc.) The author uses symbolism to explain Melinda and what she’s been going through alone. In the beginning of the year her art teacher Mr. Freeman gives them a project for the entire year. He wanted them to make it speak to people that look at it. he told them that this year they would learn how to "feel the wind." (page 10.) She had to draw a tree, she thought it was a joke. On page 12 paragraph 3, “By the end of the year, you must figure out how to make your object say something…speak to everyone who looks at it." At first, she doesn’t take it seriously, but as time passed she had a different feeling towards it. she started to understand the project more and go through her problems better. In the end Melinda had found a way to put her feelings into her project. It was still with her but she was healing overtime. On page 198 paragraph 2, “I look at my homely sketch; even through the river in my eyes I can see that…” It’s been eating her up inside, but it will go away. “The bruises are vivid, but they will fade.” (pg 198.)

Discussion Questions
1) Why do you think Melinda thinks the project was 'to good to be true'?
2) What do you think Melinda did to actually start facing her problems?

- Ashley U.