While many stories are told, not all of them have deeper meanings. In fact, the use of themes and symbols to highlight life lessons and to provide insight into different aspects of a story are defining characteristics of literature. Both of these elements help give literature depth by creating layers of meaning. For example, while you can read The Outsiders as an interesting story about life as a teenager and gangs, you can also study it to find larger truths about life, while also getting to know the main characters quite well.
In this module, you learned that themes are underlying messages that the writer wants you to learn or think about. Themes are often expressed in one sentence, such as "Love is greater than hate" or "Failure can make you stronger." You also learned how to identify themes by noting what ideas or thoughts are repeated by characters, and you saw how classic works of literature focus on themes that are timeless--that is, they are applicable to many people in many eras.
In addition to themes, you also learned how writers use symbols, which are objects that represent something else. You saw how writers refer to these objects repeatedly and even have the characters give them special meanings. These symbols can help you understand more about the characters, setting, themes, and plot of a novel.
Use the activity below to review what you know about themes and symbols.
1. Which of these is a symbol found in The Outsiders?
- cars
- girls
- hospitals
The greasers greatly admire the flashy, expensive cars that the Socs drive.
The greasers greatly admire the flashy, expensive cars that the Socs drive.
The greasers greatly admire the flashy, expensive cars that the Socs drive.
2. What is one theme that Hinton explores in the novel?
- Believing in yourself is what makes you strong.
- Love can heal people and make them whole again.
- Violence is not the answer to life's problems.
Much of the novel revolves around violence.
Much of the novel revolves around violence.
Much of the novel revolves around violence.
3. How might the symbol of Robert Frost's poem "Nothing Gold Can Stay" help you understand Ponyboy better?
- It tells you that Ponyboy is still innocent and not pessimistic like some of the greasers are.
- It shows you that Ponyboy is very intelligent and has a knack for literature.
- It contrasts Johnny's nature with that of Ponyboy and shows you how they differ.
Johnny tells Ponyboy to stay young and not get old and cynical.
Johnny tells Ponyboy to stay young and not get old and cynical.
Johnny tells Ponyboy to stay young and not get old and cynical.
4. How do you know that Gone with the Wind is a symbol for Dallas Winston?
- Hinton refers to the book in conjunction with Robert Frost's poem.
- Hinton refers to the book repeatedly in reference to Dally.
- Hinton talks about Dally's love for the book on several different occasions.
Johnny states that the men in the book who ride fearlessly toward certain death remind him of Dally.
Johnny states that the men in the book who ride fearlessly toward certain death remind him of Dally.
Johnny states that the men in the book who ride fearlessly toward certain death remind him of Dally.
5. What does the title The Outsiders suggest might be a theme in this novel?
- Having money is more important than having friends.
- Living in poverty helps you understand people better.
- People in certain groups often feel excluded.
The title points to the idea of being "outside" a group.
The title points to the idea of being "outside" a group.
The title points to the idea of being "outside" a group.
6. How does the theme of the futility of violence connect to young people today?
- They rarely see violence but need to know it's part of history.
- They need to know that violence is a normal part of life.
- They need to be reminded that violence is not a good solution.
Teens today may think that violent responses are the only way to deal with certain situations.
Teens today may think that violent responses are the only way to deal with certain situations.
Teens today may think that violent responses are the only way to deal with certain situations.
Summary
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