Symbolism and Theme

Symbolism

Symbols Symbols are concrete objects, characters, figures, and colors used to represent abstract ideas or concepts. Abstract: Freedom (Intangible: cannot touch freedom) Concrete: Flag, soaring bird, broken chains (Tangible: can touch these) “Show, don’t tell” What does _________ usually symbolize? Let’s brainstorm some abstract concepts: The color red (fertility, anger, love) Rain (sadness, renewal, rebirth) An egg (fertility) Night (loneliness/solitude, fear) Mockingbird (innocence) …Mockingjay? (rebellion, independence)

Theme

The 5 W’s WHO = Characters WHAT = Conflict WHEN/WHERE = Setting HOW = Plot WHY = Theme

Theme IS… The author’s central message or idea in a story Expressed in a sentence-long general statement Author’s observation about human nature A message or idea Found in all literary elements of a story: characters, setting, plot, and conflict Arguable Implied; not directly stated Applicable to multiple texts Example: Hard work results in success.

Theme IS NOT… A moral A lesson Advice A “you” statement Fortune cookie message One word Summary Example: “Slow and steady wins the race.”

Have you read a book with one of these themes? Persecution of an individual based on race is unjust Love is transformative Knowledge is power Ignorance is weakness There is beauty in simplicity Death is unavoidable Relationships are dependent on sacrifice

How to figure out the theme of a fictional story… What topics or big ideas does the story deal with? What is the author saying about one of these topics? Put it into a theme statement! BIG IDEAS: Ambition Love Fear Truth Jealousy Faith Prejudice Hope Integrity Loyalty Freedom Sin Loneliness Duty Suffering Courage Perseverance Redemption Betrayal (what else?)

How to figure out the theme of a fictional story… What topics or big ideas does the story deal with? What is the author saying about one of these topics? Put it into a theme statement! Think about: *Symbols that reoccur *Details that stand out from the rest *Patterns in the story *The title of the work

Example: Little Red Riding Hood What topics or big ideas does the story deal with? What is the author saying about one of these topics? Put it into a theme statement! The author shows that the wolf is able to deceive Granny and Red because they are innocent. Innocence can lead to deception. Deception

Example: Three Little Pigs What topics or big ideas does the story deal with? What is the author saying about one of these topics? Put it into a theme statement! The author shows that the third pig’s planning and choice to build a brick house was a smart choice. Good planning leads to success. Making smart choices

What about To Kill a Mockingbird? What topics or big ideas does the story deal with? What is the author saying about one of these topics? Put it into a theme statement! Take five minutes with your desk partner to follow these steps and create a theme statement.

Possible theme statements: Courage is about standing up for what’s right even in the face of certain defeat Innocence is drowned out by prejudice Assumptions lead to suffering