Themes, symbols, and motifs are valuable aspects of any literary work, and they add richness to stories. Part of the Common Core ELA standards is to introduce and explain these complex concepts. However, abstract ideas are often difficult for students to analyze without assistance. Using a storyboard, students can visually demonstrate their understanding of these concepts, and master analysis of literary elements. For best practices, see our supplementary article with specific lesson plan steps on setting up your classroom and activities to teach themes, symbols, and motifs.
In the classroom, students can examine the themes in The Outsiders and the strong lessons they send to readers.
A prevalent theme throughout literature is contrasts and comparisons between the rich and the poor. This theme focuses on the socio-economic differences between groups of people. Throughout the novel, these differences cause the major conflict between the gangs. The Greasers are poor, with their long hair slicked back, and the Socs, or Socialites, come from the west side of town known for its wealth. Although they may believe they are different, they all must face some similar challenges in life.
No matter what side a character is on, their group has a code. The Greasers uphold what they believe is right and fair. This can be seen when Johnny rescues the children, or when Dallas takes the heat for a crime his friend committed.
Throughout the novel, girls get a bad rap. Although no one is fighting directly over them, they seem to be a center of controversy and trouble. When lines are blurred, and a Soc girls starts talking to a Greaser, or when Sandy becomes pregnant with another man’s child, the message is clear: Hinton women cause conflict.
Throughout the novel the author uses allusions to literature such as Gone With the Wind and Great Expectations. For Ponyboy Curtis, characters create bonds with his friends and with the world he hopes to make sense of.
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Use This Assignment With My Students", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that identifies recurring themes in The Outsiders. Illustrate instances of each theme and write a short description below each cell.
Grade Level 6-8
Difficulty Level 3 (Developing to Mastery)
Type of Assignment Individual, Partner, or Group
Type of Activity: Themes, Symbols & Motifs
Common Core Standards
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identify Theme(s) | All themes are correctly identified as important recurring topics or messages in the story. | Some themes are correctly identified, but others are missing or do not make sense with the story. | No themes are correctly identified. |
| 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. |
| Identify Motif(s) | All motifs are correctly identified as important recurring features or ideas in the story. | Some motifs are correctly identified, but others are missing or incorrect. | No motifs are correctly identified. |
| Examples | All examples support the identified themes, symbols, and motifs. Descriptions clearly say why examples are significant. | Most examples fit the identified themes, symbols, and motifs. Descriptions say why examples are significant. | Most examples do not fit the identified themes, symbols, and motifs. Descriptions are unclear. |
| Depiction | Storyboard cells clearly show connection with the themes, symbols, and motifs and help with understanding. | Most storyboard cells help to show the themes, symbols, and motifs, but some storyboard cells are difficult to understand. | Storyboard cells do not help in understanding the themes, symbols, and motifs. |
