Contextualization

Symbolist Literature was a literary movement that emerged in France in the late 19th century as a reaction to the objectivity of Realism and Naturalism. Its main goal was to express emotions, imagination, dreams, and human subjectivity. In this scenario, words not only signify something but also have a symbolic value.

In Symbolist works, you will notice that feelings such as sadness, melancholy, anguish, and mystery are heavily explored. Furthermore, Symbolist authors make abundant use of metaphors, symbols, alliterations, assonances, and synesthesia to express these emotions.

Symbolist Literature seeks the evasion of reality, the valorization of sensory and mystical aspects. A legitimate representative of art for art's sake, it proposes a rupture with logic, reason, and objectivity, allowing a journey into the dreamlike and subjective universe of the human being.

The relevance of Symbolism in the history of literature is immense. The movement challenged existing conventions and paved the way for new forms of expression that influenced Modernism and other literary and artistic currents of the 20th century. Symbolist works are still important references for writers, musicians, filmmakers, and visual artists today.

Moreover, studying Symbolism offers us the opportunity to learn how to interpret symbols and metaphors, a skill that is extremely useful in real life. In various contexts - from everyday conversation to advertising, politics, and art - we are constantly confronted with messages that have a meaning beyond the literal. Mastering the interpretation of symbols is therefore a key to understanding the world around us.

For the development of this project, some works and online articles that we recommend, as well as explanatory videos about the Symbolist movement, will be useful:

• "The Raven" by Edgar Allan Poe, considered the precursor of Symbolism.
• "The Keeper of Sheep" by Fernando Pessoa under the heteronym Alberto Caeiro.
• "Poetic Anthology" by Cruz e Souza, known as the "Black Swan," a major representative of Symbolism in Brazil.
• Article about Symbolism on Brasil Escola
• YouTube video about Symbolism

Practical Activity

Activity Title: "Unveiling the Symbols"

Project Objective

Students, divided into groups of 3 to 5 people, will dive into the Symbolist universe, analyzing and interpreting a literary work from this movement to later create and perform a theatrical sketch based on it.

Detailed Project Description

Based on the knowledge acquired in the classroom and the research done with the recommended materials, the groups will be tasked with choosing a Symbolist literary work (a poem, for example), dissecting it in terms of its symbols and metaphors, and expressing this interpretation through a dramatic presentation.

The choice must be justified within the spectrum of Symbolism and the importance of the work for the literary period in question. The group must also produce a script based on the chosen poem, which will be performed later.

The presentations should incorporate visual, auditory, olfactory, or tactile elements that somehow reflect the symbols and emotions expressed in the literary work under analysis. In addition, the performance must be accompanied by a brief explanation of the identified symbols and their interpretation.

Necessary Materials

• Chosen literary work
• Script of the theatrical sketch
• Props for the performance (costumes, props, music, images, scents)
• Research materials (books, articles, videos)

Step-by-Step Guide for the Activity

1. Formation of groups and selection of a Symbolist literary work for analysis.
2. Study and research on the work and the author.
3. Identification, interpretation, and cataloging of the symbols and metaphors present in the work.
4. Development of a script for the theatrical sketch.
5. Rehearsal meetings for the performance.
6. Theatrical performance and presentation of the identified symbols and their interpretations.
7. Preparation and submission of the report.

The groups will have one month to complete the entire project.

Project Deliverables

At the end of the project, the groups must deliver the following:

1. Final Report: This written document should encompass the introduction (contextualization of the theme, relevance, real-world application, and project objective), the development (explanation of the theory, detailed activity, methodology used, and presentation and discussion of the results), and conclusion (recap of the main points, lessons learned, and conclusions about the project). The bibliography used should also be indicated. This will be the document that synthesizes the work of each group and indicates the reflections and learnings obtained.

2. Theatrical Sketch Script: Must be delivered in print and digital format. In it, students will describe the performance scene by scene, including dialogues, actions, use of props, and symbolic justifications.

3. Video of the Performance: For those groups interested, the performance can be recorded and submitted along with the other materials. It is not mandatory but an additional element that can assist in the evaluation of the work.

Students should pay attention to the connection between the practical activity and the written production. The report, specifically, should reflect the practical experience lived by the group.

Therefore, the description of the activity in the report should go beyond a mere account of what was done. It should reflect on the process, the challenges encountered, the solutions adopted, the discoveries made, and the lessons learned. The report should offer an internal view of the work carried out and provide reflections on the topic addressed.