You may have noticed that the theme of Kendra's story was not directly stated anywhere in the video. Still, you were probably able to figure it out. And once you did, the story probably meant more to you than if you hadn't considered its theme. If you learn to look for meaningful elements in a story, you're more likely to appreciate any book—including the books your teacher assigns. Watch the video to review the aspects of literature that make it worth your time.
Literature has always been an important part of civilization. Even the earliest cave drawings told a story. Literature teaches us lessons, preserves history, passes down morals, and entertains. It is a way to understand, interpret, and celebrate the human condition. Part of being able to appreciate literature is understanding how it all comes together and what literature can teach us.
An important part of understanding and appreciating literature is being able to interpret the theme or message. The theme is a universal truth that is being talked about. A universal truth is something that is common for people all over the world. A few are, "Love conquers all," "Never give up," and "Be careful what you wish for." And don't forget the important theme, "Pizza is the best!" Oh, okay, maybe that last one isn't a universal truth. My stomach might have just interjected that one.
Asking yourself some questions can help you understand or figure out the theme if it's not so obvious. It can be tricky to find sometimes because some authors don't directly state the theme. It can only be found when looking at the thoughts and actions of the characters. When you read, ask yourself:
- What experiences do the characters go through, and how are they affected?
- What is the author trying to say about a particular issue?
- What ideas are symbolized in the literature?
A symbol in literature is something that is used to represent something else. We see symbols in our lives all the time. From the skull and crossbones on a flag to indicate a pirate ship, or the symbols on the dollar bill that you might have in your pocket right now. Symbols also appear frequently in most types of fiction, poetry, and drama. They are not necessarily just images; a symbol can be anything, like for instance an idea. A dove or olive branch could represent peace, while a raven can represent death.
Appreciating literature doesn't just mean enjoying it or thinking it's important. To appreciate a piece of literature, you have to truly understand it and its purpose and message.
Question
How does symbolism help develop a story's theme?
