'A symbol is a person, place, or thing, or an event that stands for itself and for something beyond itself as well. What do you think the abalone shells symbolize or represent? Consider how the narrator describes the outside of the shell as well as the shell's interior. Discuss the symbolism of shells and use examples from the selection to support your ideas.' - From Abalone, Abalone, Abalone

Question

I realyy need help with this..please help!

Thanks
-MC

Answer 1

http://www.uncp.edu/home/canada/work/allam/general/glossary.htm#s
Scroll down and read the section called symbol.

http://web.cn.edu/kwheeler/lit_terms_S.html
Ditto.

http://www.tnellen.com/cybereng/lit_terms/

http://www.orangeusd.k12.ca.us/yorba/literary_elements.htm

Once you have figured it out (and it's not really difficult if you read ALL those explanations and their examples), be sure to post whatever you write up if you want someone to check it.

Answer 2

I said they symbolized people: sometimes rough on the outside, all beautiful on the inside, and unique.