Theme

How to find the Grail

What are theme and motif?

• The theme of a fable is its moral.

• The theme of a parable is its teaching.

Theme: a universal idea explored in a literary work; a statement about life

Motif: a recurring structure, object, or literary device in literature

Themes are not presented directly at all. You extract it from the characters, action, and setting that make up the story. In other words, you must figure out the theme yourself.

Finding the Theme

Theme, plot, and structure are inseparableTheme, plot, and structure are inseparable, all helping to inform , all helping to inform and reflect back on each other. Also, be aware that a theme we and reflect back on each other. Also, be aware that a theme we determine from a story never completely explains the story. It determine from a story never completely explains the story. It is simply one of the elements that make up the whole.is simply one of the elements that make up the whole.

How to find the theme in a story: • Check out the title. Sometimes it tells you a lot about the theme.• Notice motifs (repeating patterns and symbols.) Sometimes these

lead you to the theme.• What references and morals are repeated throughout the story?• What are the details and particulars in the story? What greater

meaning may they have?

Greek themes

• Fate – You cannot avoid it.• Bloodshed =‘s more bloodshed – Revenge just goes

on and on.• Reward for Good and Punishment for Evil• Pride and Arrogance will get you trouble• Courage is rewarded• Love often requires sacrifice• Hospitality to strangers is

good• Faith in the gods is rewarded

Some Motifs in Greek Mythology

• Hero’s quest• Fate• Beauty• Love• War• Cannibalism

Let’s Try It!

1.Make a list of stories in mythology that represent the theme Fate is Unavoidable.

2.Now, think about modern stories or stories from your own life that might represent fate.

3.How do you explain fate as an idea that the Greeks used, but that is still universal to everyone?

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How? - Only tell the part of the plot that illustrates your pointInstead of writing: Oedipus’s father was told that his son was

going to grow up and kill him, so he sent him to the mountain to be killed. Instead of killing Oedipus, the shepherd took pity on him. One day when….(and then going on to tell the whole story….)

Write: The very act of trying to escape his fate led Oedipus to fulfill the destiny the oracle laid out for him before he was born. Because he didn’t know whose son he was, he killed his father and married his mother.

Assume the reader knows the plot and you are simply writing about the parts that prove your point.

Avoid lots of plot summary!Avoid lots of plot summary!

Group Work1. Get in groups of 3-4.

2. Brainstorm a list of themes or motifs (or both) that you/your group found while reading Hamilton’s mythology.

3. Pick one that you all understand and can explain.

4. Write a brief description of the myth/myths that are examples of your theme/motif.

5. Explain how your theme/motif was as an idea that the Greeks used, but that is still universal to everyone.

6. Provide a modern story or stories from real life that might represent your theme/motif.

7. Put all of your information on a large piece of paper for hanging in the hall.

Stop here!

Get Started.1.1. Think about something in the book that stands Think about something in the book that stands

out to you as a main idea or theme. out to you as a main idea or theme. • Was there one idea that was mentioned repeatedly?• Was there an idea that many characters spoke about?• Was there something the teacher mentioned over and over?

2.2. Search the story you are reading for other passages that Search the story you are reading for other passages that support your idea. support your idea.

3.3. Write down those passages word for word (minimum of four, if Write down those passages word for word (minimum of four, if possible). Don't forget to include the page numberpossible). Don't forget to include the page numberfrom which you're quoting! from which you're quoting!

4.4. Answer these questions about your theme:Answer these questions about your theme:• What do all the quotes you have noted have in common?• What are the connections, in your mind, between the

quotes/ideas? • In your opinion, what do you think the author’s “hidden

message” was when she or he wrote the story?

Universal Themes• Man Struggles Against Nature: Man is always at battle with

human nature, whether the drives described are physical, material or against the aging process itself. (Remember in Greek myths, the gods represent nature.)

• Wrong-doing Does Not Pay: The concept that honesty is honored and wrong-doers will eventually be caught.

• Overcoming Adversity: Characters accept a tough situation and turn it into triumph.

• Friendship is Dependant on Sacrifice: You can't have friends if you don't act like a friend.

• Family is the Most Important Thing in Life: Sacrifices for family are honored, as are the family bonds that survive adversity.

• Yin and Yang: Just when you think life is finally going to be easy, something bad happens to balance it all out.

• Love is the Worthiest of Pursuits: In Greek mythology the idea that love conquers all appears more than once.

• Death is Part of Life: death and life and intricately connected.• Sacrifices Bring Reward: Sacrifices and hard work pay off in the

end, despite the challenges along the way.