Writer's Craft: The Use of Symbolism Writers often use different literary techniques in order to bring greater understanding and reveal some truth about a character to the reader. ... It was mentioned earlier in the story as a wooden horse, but only as a detail note. ... Lawrence uses symbolism to show the true, cruel nature of Paul's mother and the conflicts she encounters with her son, using the symbols of the toy horse, the springs, and her standing in the doorway doing nothing to help Paul. ...

• Word Count: 855
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: High School

If Mathilde had told her rich friend the truth, she would not have wasted ten years of her life. ... "She had no dresses, no jewels, nothing. And she loved nothing but that; she felt made for that." ... He returns at night with a pale face because he has found nothing. ... Loisel uses eighteen thousand francs that his father left him, borrows money, writes promissory notes, undertakes ruinous obligations, and goes to loan sharks. ...

• Word Count: 918
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: High School