Symbolism and Theme Theme An underlying message about

Symbolism and Theme

Theme • An underlying message about life or human nature that a writer wants the reader to understand

Theme is not the same as subject matter! Includes concepts such as love, hate, betrayal, fear, joy, change, friendship, family, society, etc. Applies not only to the story, but to a broader context as well. Not a theme: Harrison Bergeron died a terrible death because he wanted to be free. A theme: Total equality is a mistaken goal that can be dangerous in both execution and outcome.

What is theme? In his sophomore year of high school, Michael Jordan tried out for the varsity basketball team at Laney High School in Wilmington, North Carolina. But at five feet and eleven inches tall, the coach believed that Jordan was too short to play at that level, so Jordan was cut from the team. Jordan didn’t let this obstacle defeat him. In fact, it pushed him to work even harder. He trained vigorously and grew another four inches the following summer. When he finally made the varsity squad, Jordan averaged 25 points a game and went on to become one of the greatest basketball players in history.

Recurring vs. Universal Theme • Recurring – Can be found in different texts of the same period. • Universal – Can be found throughout all of literature and relates to people of all time periods and cultures.

Implied vs. Explicit Theme - Implied: A theme that is relayed indirectly by what happens to the characters, how they react to it, and how it affects them moving forward in the story. An implied theme lies beneath the surface of the narrative. - Explicit: A theme that is clearly expressed or stated in detail at some point in the narrative.

What is a Motif? • Recurring structures, contrasts, or literary devices that can help to develop and inform the text’s major themes • A motif may be: – a literary element used repeatedly in one text – two contrasting elements in a work (good and evil) – a literary element used over time in various texts, providing a useful example of a cultural "constant" Why? It allows us to see main points and themes that the author is trying to express

Symbolism Stands for something beyond itself Something concrete---a person, place, object, or activity--- that represents an abstract idea. Example A small child (innocence) Themes of most literature have to do with emotions and experiences that make us human—fear, courage, loss, love, etc.

Allegory A work with two levels of meaning --A literal one and a symbolic one

Epiphany An epiphany is when a light bulb goes off in a character’s head, and is also a revealing moment for the reader.