Parks Canada - Teachers' Corner - Memories of War

Memories of War Lesson Plan

Handouts

Symbols are physical things that represent other things or concepts, and they play a key role in communication. For a simple example, a J stands for happiness, while a L stands for sadness. A represents Canada.¹ In fact, each of the words on this page is a symbol that you understand in an instant through reading, and the same goes for the spoken word.

Artists and architects use symbols to communicate their ideas through war memorials. By decoding these symbols, you can better understand the message behind the memorials. For each of the following exhibits, try to determine:

1. The Surface Meaning
   What is it?
   Can you guess where is it, who built it, and why?
   


2. The Deeper Meaning
   What is this monument's core message?
   Hint: First notice the symbols and what they represent, and then notice the relationships between the symbols.

EXHIBITS

1. a) ______________________________________________

    b) ______________________________________________

2. a) ______________________________________________

    b) ______________________________________________

etc…

¹ Flag graphic source: http://canflag.ptbcanadian.com/

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