Symbol Match

This symbolism worksheet is designed for students in Grades 7 and 8 to strengthen analytical reading and interpretive thinking through close study of The Aeneid. Learners match eight key symbols-such as the Golden Bough, Aeneas’s shield, storms at sea, and the Gates of War-to their deeper meanings, moving beyond plot recall to understand how imagery, omens, and objects convey themes of fate, destiny, conflict, and Rome’s future.

Learning Goals

• Symbolism & Motif Analysis (Grades 7-8)
  Students interpret how symbols function beyond their literal role in the story.
• Connecting Imagery to Theme
  Learners link symbolic elements to abstract ideas like divine guidance, war, and destiny.
• Mythological & Figurative Reading
  Activities reinforce understanding of how epic imagery communicates cultural values.
• Academic Vocabulary Development
  Students apply terms such as symbol, motif, and omen accurately in context.

Instructional Benefits

• Teacher-Created Resource
  Designed by educators to align with middle school ELA and world literature standards.
• Efficient Matching Format
  Provides quick insight into students’ understanding of symbolic meaning.
• Supports Higher-Level Literary Analysis
  Prepares learners to analyze imagery and motifs in complex texts.
• Builds Visual & Conceptual Literacy
  Encourages interpretation of images, emblems, and narrative signs.
• Flexible Classroom Use
  Ideal for review, comprehension checks, discussion starters, or assessment prep.
• Printable & No-Prep
  Easy to implement in classroom or homeschool settings.

This Symbol Match worksheet helps students develop deeper insight into The Aeneid by connecting powerful symbols to their thematic meanings. By practicing symbolic interpretation, learners strengthen analytical reading skills and gain tools they can apply to other works of literature. Whether used as an introduction to symbolism or a focused review, this printable resource offers meaningful practice in figurative and thematic analysis.

This worksheet is part of our Aeneid collection.