Symbol Analysis

This symbolism-focused worksheet is designed for students in Grades 9 and 10 to deepen literary interpretation and thematic understanding of Flannery O’Connor’s A Good Man Is Hard to Find. Learners analyze key symbolic objects and motifs-such as the grandmother’s hat, the Misfit’s glasses, and the hearse-like car-and match each item to its most meaningful interpretation. Through this activity, students explore how O’Connor uses imagery to build mood, reveal character, and underscore moral conflict and mortality.

Learning Goals

• Understanding Symbolism & Figurative Language (Grades 9-10)
  Students interpret objects and images as representations of abstract ideas.
• Theme & Motif Identification
  Learners connect symbols to recurring themes such as grace, death, hypocrisy, and violence.
• Literary Interpretation & Analysis
  Activities require students to infer meaning beyond literal description.
• Close Reading of Literary Elements
  Students examine how small details contribute to the story’s overall impact.

Instructional Benefits

• Teacher-Created Resource
  Designed by educators to align with high school ELA standards for fiction analysis.
• Clear Matching Format
  Encourages careful reading and thoughtful comparison without heavy writing demands.
• Builds Metaphorical Thinking
  Helps students practice abstract reasoning and symbolic interpretation.
• Supports Discussion & Writing
  Works well as preparation for analytical paragraphs or class discussion.
• Flexible Classroom Use
  Ideal for short stories units, review activities, or formative assessment.
• Printable & No-Prep
  Easy to implement in classroom or homeschool settings.

This Symbol Analysis worksheet helps students uncover the deeper meanings embedded in A Good Man Is Hard to Find. By matching symbols to their thematic significance, learners strengthen comprehension, interpretive skill, and appreciation for O’Connor’s use of imagery to convey moral tension and the inevitability of death.

This worksheet is part of our A Good Man is Hard to Find collection.