Literal and Figurative Language (focus on Allegory)

[Stavroz]

Topic: Literal and Figurative Language (focus on Allegory)

Grade Level: 2nd Grade of High School (This lesson plan can be adjusted to suit various grade levels, too)
Allotment: Students will need between one and two class periods to complete this lesson depending on the completion of pre-class work and any extra activity time.
Learning Objectives:
Students will develop the ability to define literal language and allegorical language as separate concepts and identify their differences.
Students will learn how to recognize allegorical elements within different texts.
Students will have the ability to understand symbolic meanings presented through allegories.
Students will develop the ability to construct basic allegorical stories.

Flipped Classroom Approach:
Pre-Class Activities:
Video Introduction: The students view a brief video https://youtu.be/GfsGU4L7iTw one of Aesop’s fables and they are asked to examine the short allegorical pieces which are included.

In-Class Activities:
Allegory Analysis: I divide students into small groups. Students work in groups to dissect their assigned allegorical tale by recognizing its actual events and characters and exploring their symbolic representations. Students can construct a visual chart to illustrate both the literal narrative and the symbolic meanings within the story. I encourage them to discuss and debate about different interpretations.

Creative Writing Prompt: Students have to start their allegory creation process by receiving initial guidance. The foundation for an allegory could be a central theme such as friendship. In groups or individually students have to create brief allegorical narratives that use characters and plot to express symbolic meanings.

Post-Class Activity:
Allegorical Image Interpretation: Students select an image such as a painting or photograph to write an allegorical interpretation in a short paragraph. Their analysis should begin with a description of the image’s literal components followed by a symbolic interpretation backed by image evidence. Students have the option to submit their work through the online platform or bring it to the following class session for discussion.

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