THEMES YEAR 10 ENGLISH MS ROBERTS 2018 Adapted from https://thewritersacademy.co.uk/blog/common-literary- themes/

What does it mean? Example subtext themes moral / message symbolism motif

Like onions and ogres, stories have layers.

‘SUB’ What are some words that use ‘sub’? What does ‘sub’ mean?

By the way Subway the restaurants are named after the sandwhiches, which are called ‘submarine sandwhiches’ or ‘subs’ for short. The shop was called ‘Pete’s’ originally.

However, there is also the subtext. ‘sub’ means ‘under’ e.g. submarine, subway

Subtext is like an iceberg …

SUBTEXT Subtext is the meaning below the surface of the story, the hidden meaning of a story.

SUBTEXT Subtext is the meaning below the surface of the story, the hidden meaning of a story. Subtext isn’t written directly into the story: it is suggested or implied by what’s in the story.

SUBTEXT Looking at the hidden meaning (subtext) requires us to read beyond what is written.

There is the superficial story: what the story is obviously about. LAYERS Superficial means ‘on the surface’ There is the superficial story: what the story is obviously about. Shrek is a movie about an ogre who goes on a mission to rescue a princess and get rid of unwanted houseguests.

THEMES One type of subtext is theme. Themes are the big ideas in a story about the human experience; e.g. love, death, fear, jealousy, happiness etc.

THEME Shrek is not only about an ogre whose home is invaded by unwanted guests. What do you think the subtext (themes) are?

Shrek is about appearance; and having self acceptance. THEME Shrek is about appearance; and having self acceptance. (And also about friendship)

Themes vs. Messages/Morals Themes are big ideas and are related to our shared human experiences. A moral or message is the point of view about the theme. It’s what the text has to say about the theme.

THEMES MORAL / MESSAGE appearance self- acceptance You shouldn’t judge a book by it’s cover / you shouldn’t judge a person by their appearance It is important to believe in yourself, and fight your insecurity. You are worth more than you think.

But how do you know that the themes are there?

THEME Themes are built up through the events and situations in the story. The way the situation plays out carries the message about the themes.

THEME For example, we know about the theme of appearance and about self- acceptance in Shrek through several key scenes/situations.

FIONA’S CURSE By night one way, by day another This shall be the norm Until you find true love's first kiss Then... take love's true form.

FIONA’S CURSE How would the message/moral be different if, in the end Fiona had become human?

Symbols and Motifs Themes are often expressed through symbols and motifs.

OGRES ARE LIKE ONIONS

What does Shrek mean by ogres are like onions?

OGRES ARE LIKE ONIONS The onion is a symbol for the defences Shrek puts up around him. In other words, he’s a big softy on the inside.