Investigating Recognition of Symbolism in "The Old Man and the Sea" Among the Students of English Department, College of Education for Humanities, University of Kirkuk

Abstract

The current study tries to shed light on investigating recognition of symbolism in "The Old Man and the Sea". The study aims to measure the ability of students to recognize some famous symbols in "The Old Man and the Sea", and also to make students of English Department, College of Education for humanities, University of Kirkuk recognize the meaning behind the symbols and how these symbols differ from other words used in literature, such as metaphor, image, allegory, irony, simile, etc. A sample of (114) students of morning and evening studies in the second year, Department of English has been chosen.After teaching the above-mentioned students "The Old Man and the Sea" in the second semester of the academic year (2014-2015), a test has been constructed, its validity and reliability have been measured, then applied on the sample. The data of achievement test have been analyzed, and different statistical methods have been used. At the end of the study a number of conclusions and recommendations are given.