Activity Overview
Novels often have a variety of themes, symbols, and motifs that students can identify and analyze. Theme in literature refers to the main idea or underlying meaning the author is exploring throughout a novel, short story, or other literary work. Symbolism in a story is when an object or situation is more than it appears on the surface. The author is using it to represent something deeper and more meaningful. For example, an object that is the color red might have a deeper meaning of passion, or love, or devotion attached to it. Motifs are a technique employed by the author whereby they repeat a certain element more than once throughout the course of the story. This element has symbolic significance and is meant to draw the reader's attention and illuminate a deeper meaning to the story as it is repeated.
All of these literary elements can be conveyed through characters, setting, dialogue, plot, or a combination. Students can explore themes, symbols, and motifs by identifying these elements themselves or in an “envelope activity”, where they are given one or more to track throughout their reading. After identifying one or more themes, symbols, or motifs, students will create a spider map where they label, describe, and illustrate what they found!
To scaffold or tailor this activity, teachers may choose to provide students with a list of themes, symbols, and motifs, or they can come together as a class to determine what students think they are! Teachers may also ask students to focus solely on one element, either themes, symbols, or motifs, and complete a storyboard with anywhere between 3 and 10 cells. Be sure to update the student instructions as necessary!
Don't forget to check out our graphic novel examples for even more inspiration!
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a storyboard that identifies recurring themes, symbols, or motifs found in the story. Illustrate each and write a short description below each cell.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the themes, symbols, or motifs from the story that you wish to include and type them in the title box at the top.
- Create an image for examples that represent each symbol using appropriate scenes, characters and items.
- Write a description of each of the examples in the black text box.
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identify Symbol(s) | All symbols are correctly identified as objects that represent something else at a higher level in the story. | Most symbols are correctly identified, but some objects are missing or are incorrectly identified as significant symbols. | No symbols are correctly identified. |
| Examples | All examples support the identified symbols. Descriptions clearly say why examples are significant. | Most examples fit the identified symbols. Descriptions say why examples are significant. | Most examples do not fit the identified symbols. Descriptions are unclear. |
| Depiction | Storyboard cells clearly show connection with the symbols and help with understanding. | Most storyboard cells help to show the symbols but some storyboard cells are difficult to understand. | Storyboard cells do not help in understanding the symbols. |
How To Help Students Analyze Themes, Symbols, and Motifs to Enhance the Understanding of the Story
Define the Concepts
Start by giving themes, symbols, and motifs precise definitions. Talk about the differences between them to lay the groundwork for the analysis. Teachers can first use simple examples to explain the concepts and help the students differentiate between them and later use exercises such as match the example to the concept.
Analyze Literary Techniques
Examine how literary devices are used to further the development of the text's themes and symbols. Talk about the ways the author uses language to imply deeper meanings. Teachers can explain basic literary devices that can be used in various texts to help in the development of themes, symbols, and motifs throughout the narrative.
Encourage Expression of Creativity
Encourage the students to express themselves creatively by giving them assignments or visual aids that reflect the topics and symbols they have chosen. This can involve poetry, visual arts, or multimedia talks. Students can also use the themes, symbols, and motifs present in a particular story to create a modern adaptation of that story or as an inspiration for their own story writing project.
Reflect and Analyze
Ask the students to reflect on the concepts and ideas they have learned so far and their thoughts and opinions regarding the process. Ask the students to view these concepts holistically in relation with other concepts and try to analyze the significance and impacts of the connection.
Practice and Review
Once the students are more familiar with the idea and concept of themes, symbols, and motifs, teachers can assign them various texts to help them develop an understanding of the process. This activity will also help students exercise their brains and promote critical thinking and analysis. Teachers can review the assigned practice weekly and provide students with constant feedback to help them improve.
Frequently Asked Questions About Identifying and Analyzing Themes, Symbols, and Motifs Present in a Novel
How do a symbol and a theme differ from one another?
Both symbols and motifs reoccur in stories, but a symbol usually conveys a particular idea or concept, whereas a motif is a more general recurrent element or subject that advances the plot. Students can practice with the help of examples so that they can easily recognize both of these elements present in the story.
Is it possible for themes, symbols, and motifs to alter or evolve during throughout the story?
Yes, indeed. Themes, symbols, and motifs can be purposefully developed and changed by authors to highlight changes in the narrative's focus, character development, or plot dynamics. It is one of the most essential components of the plot and understanding this development can help students make connections with other literary elements present in the plot.
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