Symbolism in Mr. Pip

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Symbolism in Mr. Pip
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e.g. 2011 ESSAY TOPIC

• Analyse how symbols are used to develop an idea
  in a text you have studied
• Keywords To Note
• symbols is plural and an idea is singular
• To develop expand, explore, examine

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Symbols e.g.

• The island (Bougainville) is a symbolic setting.

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It is like the biblicalGarden of Eden
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The Bible Story

• The Garden of Eden is a paradise for Adam and Eve
  until the snake convinces Eve to eat an apple
  from the tree of knowledge of good and evil,
  breaking Gods rule against it.
• Eve shares the apple with Adam and they are
  overcome with shame and remorse.
• God drives them from the garden forever.

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Because the island

• Is a perfect place where food is bountiful
• Islanders live happily and innocently
• Until
• The arrival of corruption and evil (like the
  snake in the biblical Garden of Eden) the
  exploitation of the copper mine, then the
  redskins bring violence, death and misery
• This knowledge drives Matilda from the island

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Idea Developed

• The journey from innocence to knowledge and
  experience
• e.g. Matilda begins as an innocent girl but by
  the end has a more experienced view of human
  nature and life. This includes disillusionment
  and suffering but also she now has a better
  understanding of where she belongs and herself.

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Your essay plan

• Intro outline Garden of Eden symbol and idea of
  innocence to experience
• Body 1
• The island as a Garden of Eden innocence idea.
  Give evidence
• Body 2
• The increasing encroachment of evil on the
  village
• Body 3
• Matilda leaves only to discover that she wants
  to return
• Conclusion

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Symbol 2 Books / The Written Word

• A book

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Idea

• Represents the idea of the power of literature
  or the written word to change lives
• How it is developed-the book GE introduces the
  class to a whole new world- provides Matilda
  with the idea you can change your life
• Changing home, changing names- The Bible v GE
  and Dolores- catalyst for confusion then
  violence
• Dolores as Gods Witness- limits of literature
  as a guide v reality

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Possible Essay Plan

• Intro identify the symbols and the ideaBody
  1the effect of GE on Matilda and her classmates
• Body 2
• The Bible v Great Expectations, Dolores v Mr.
  Watts
• Body 3
• The dangers/limitations of literature
• Conclusion