...Running Head: Theme How Theme Shapes a Story By Trina Carr English 125 Instructor: Clifton Edwards Running Head: Theme page 1 Like many people who haven’t studied literature, if someone asked me what the theme of a story was, I would have given a synopsis of the story detailing the actions and characters in it. As I have come to learn, theme is much more than a distilled retelling of a story. Theme gives a story a deeper meaning. The theme focuses the story and is the behind the scenes force that propels the story forward. In other words it gives the story purpose and shape. “Theme will attempt to hold all the elements of your story in place. It is like a cup. A vessel. A goblet”(Bain, T 2010). In this paper will attempt to explore how literary elements like symbolism and character build and affect the narrative of theme in a story. One element of a story’s theme is symbolism. Symbolism according to our text is something that has a literal identity but also stands for something else (Clugston, R 2010). For an example the five interlocking ring of the Olympic symbol. Clearly they can be identified as ring, but when they are colored blue, yellow, black, green and red, they become much more. They are a symbol of the pinicle of atheletic compition and excellence. Symbolism in literature gives the writer’s work texture. It is one element that is used to provide the reader...
Words: 623 - Pages: 3
...Theme and Elememt in a Short Story What is the Theme in a story and how does it relate to the body of the story? I would have to say that the Theme of a story relates to the over all polt of what is happing during the eniter story. In my opion if you had a TV show and it would have the main title and then there would be a Theme for each epoisod. The Theme would let the adduience know what the epoisod was about, but a lot of times you get the Theme at the end of the story when it all comes to getter. For example, in chaper 7, Theme in fiction is associated with something abstract, something broad: The theme in a story is associated with an idea that lies behind the story. Every story narrows a broad underlying idea, shapes it in a unique way, and makes the underlying idea concrete. That's how theme is created. In other words, the theme in a story is a representation of the idea behind the story. To identify a story's theme it's necessary to look beyond the plot. The plot tells you what happens in a story, but the theme tells you what the story is about. What you are required to do, therefore, in identifying theme is to answer the question, How? You should ask questions such as these: How does the writer use setting to narrow the underlying idea? How do characters make particular aspects of the underlying idea clear? How does conflict reveal the strength or worth of the underlying idea? (Clugston) The story of “A Worn Path” theme is in the strength of the woman as she...
Words: 541 - Pages: 3
...THEME AND NARRATIVE ELEMENTS IN A SHORT STORY XAVION LAY INTRODUCTION TO LITERATURE JACLYN MALLAN-KING THEME AND NARRATIVE ELEMENTS IN A SHORT STORY The short story that was chosen to write this paper was the Welcome Table by Alice Walker that was written in 1970. This story being racial in theme and treatment was one of the best stories and that was heartfelt in this book. While without describing the story in detail I will point out its theme and narrative elements that make this story what it is today. Just as in the Oxford Companion to African American Literature states: “Though we are aware of the dismissal of so much black American writing for so many years because it did not conform to prevailing aesthetic or critical canons, our understanding of literature is not restricted to these traditional genres.” (Oxford Companion, 1997) This book was definitely written by one the greatest writers ever know. She placed her heart mind and soul into the writings of which she made which brings me to the writing of the Welcome Table. The Welcome Table was a short story that had a racial theme. Due to the story taking place in the time that black who were referred to as colored at the time could not congregate in the same place as whites. The point of view that was in play was omniscient. This is a story is written from another point of view. Not that of the person that is in the story but from someone on the outside that understands the way the character in the story feels...
Words: 638 - Pages: 3
...A Comparison of Two Stories with the Same Theme Angela Baer ENG 125: Introduction to Literature Instructor Hinton September, 3, 2013 In comparing two short stories that include similar themes such as Country Lovers (1975) by Nadine Gordimer and The Necklace (1884) by Guy de Maupassant; it is apparent that not only do they share the same theme of gender roles and marriage they also share the underlying theme of prejudice and stereotyping as well. Both women in these stories marry within their socioeconomic caste and race. However, both women also suffer from prejudice, whether by their hand or the hand of someone else. It is a struggle of women that has been handed down through the ages. The fact that these two stories Country Lovers (1975) and The Necklace (1884) were written almost a century apart and contain the same theme proves this plight for equality of women. Country Lovers (1975) by Nadine Gordimer not only deals with gender roles and arranged marriages but also with racism. This underlying theme of racism is not surprising; since Gordimer lived in South Africa during the apartheid movement. Ms. Gordimer was very much against this socioeconomic movement and included this tone in her writing (Clugston, 2010). Ms. Gordimer once wrote that the importance of great literature is its power to change the consciousness of the reader even if they are unaware it had been done (Gordimer, 2001).This idea is what she wished to accomplish with her writings. She...
Words: 2806 - Pages: 12
...Theme is the subject of talk in a fictional piece of writing, a person's thoughts, or an exhibition. In the story “Rikki-Tikki-Tavi” by Rudyard Kipling,the author shows the theme bullies can be overcome. It is clear that there are innocent bungalow animals. Therefore there are bullies in the bungalow too. Of course the bullies Nag, Nagaina, and Karait think they can't be beat and attack anyone they think are in their way. For example, the cobras were trying to kill Rikki by coming from behind while the other one was in front of him. Nag killed a baby bird that fell out of the nest. Karait also said he was death to Rikki. In addition Karait thought he already was going to win the battle, because he is really powerful and Rikki is still young....
Words: 387 - Pages: 2
...A short story illustrates the effectiveness of the plot, particularly one that has a surprise ending such as, “The Gift of the Magi”. In this story of Jim and Della, they are approaching Christmas and have very little money to spend on one another. They each want to surprise the other one with a marvelous gift for Christmas but they have little money and Della only has $1.87. Della ends up cutting her hair for the money while Jim sells his cherished watch. Through selfless acts done for love, they each end up giving one another a Christmas gift they will always remember and cherish. It didn’t matter to either of them what they had to do in order to provide the gift. The theme was portrayed by the literary elements within the story. Plot, point of view and symbolism are just a few of the literary elements which helped developed the theme of the story. The story I read and critiqued was, “The gift of the Magi”. In order to find the theme of this short story, I had to look beyond the plot, which tells the reader what happened in the story (Clugston, 2010, section 5.5). The theme of this story I believe would be “selfless love”. Other readers, who read the same short story as I did, might have an entirely different theme. This is actually to be expected and is even common. This is because every reader has a different relationship to literature due to each individual’s different experience throughout life. The theme of selfless love, I chose due to I feel like the writer chose...
Words: 1156 - Pages: 5
...One last significant theme within this story is, Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times if only one remembers to turn on the light. After Sal’s mother leaves her family, she is devastated. Sal’s father is also devastated, but continues as normal. Sal says, “ It nearly killed my father after she left. I know it, but he continued on doing everything just as before, whistling and humming and bringing little gifts for people,” (pg 103). This shows how her father had just lost her mother. He hurt, but continued on as always, still being happy. He still brought people little gifts, and never gave up on happiness. Sal also says, “When my mother had been there, I was like a mirror. If she was happy I was happy. If she was, I was sad. For...
Words: 307 - Pages: 2
...The short story called “My A`ntonia” is told from a fictional memoir named Jim Burden. Once you read about the author, Willa Cather, you get a better understanding of who Jim is and why he is there. Willa based many of the events, characters, and settings through her own childhood experiences. The story is written in first person because the story is focused on Jim’s perspective. The story is also written all in past tense. I feel Willa wrote her story in first person past tense logic because it revolves around her past memories that can never be regained. “My A`ntonia” starts off to be boring in my opinion. Once the reader has their full attention on the story, they start to grasp what is written between the lines, and the small hints that...
Words: 414 - Pages: 2
...ENG 125 WEEK 2 THEME AND NARRATIVE ELEMENTS IN THE SHORT STORY A+ Graded Tutorial Available At: http://hwsoloutions.com/?product=eng-125-week-2-theme-and-narrative-elements-in-the-short-story-2 Visit Our website: http://hwsoloutions.com/ Product Description PRODUCT DESCRIPTION ENG 125 Week 2 Theme and Narrative Elements in the Short Story, We all at some point want to get away from our problems that we are faced with. At times we try to disguise them with things of lesser value. In the short story “Hills Like White Elephants” by Ernest Hemingway the female character continuously talked of the clouds looked like white elephants. The woman and the American man hid their conflict throughout the entire story so that no one would know they were having problems. The female character of the short story talked about the clouds looking like white elephants because she was to never forget the decision she was to make in the not too distant future and the color white symbolized the purity that she felt was growing inside of her. She, as in the female character, tried to avoid the discussion many times. I personally feel she just didn’t want to go through it. There was more than one theme going throughout the short story. I saw the theme of imagination, avoidance, alcoholism, dependency, uncertainty, and confusion. And in so naming these themes there are also many literary elements that contribute to the theme or help the theme to better be recognized by the reader....
Words: 255 - Pages: 2
...ENG 125 WEEK 2 THEME AND NARRATIVE ELEMENTS IN THE SHORT STORY A+ Graded Tutorial Available At: http://hwsoloutions.com/?product=eng-125-week-2-theme-and-narrative-elements-in-the-short-story Visit Our website: http://hwsoloutions.com/ Product Description PRODUCT DESCRIPTION ENG 125 Week 2 Theme and Narrative Elements in the Short Story, We all at some point want to get away from our problems that we are faced with. At times we try to disguise them with things of lesser value. In the short story “Hills Like White Elephants” by Ernest Hemingway the female character continuously talked of the clouds looked like white elephants. The woman and the American man hid their conflict throughout the entire story so that no one would know they were having problems. The female character of the short story talked about the clouds looking like white elephants because she was to never forget the decision she was to make in the not too distant future and the color white symbolized the purity that she felt was growing inside of her. She, as in the female character, tried to avoid the discussion many times. I personally feel she just didn’t want to go through it. There was more than one theme going throughout the short story. I saw the theme of imagination, avoidance, alcoholism, dependency, uncertainty, and confusion. And in so naming these themes there are also many literary elements that contribute to the theme or help the theme to better be recognized by the reader....
Words: 254 - Pages: 2
...face in their organizations. Moreover, managers who excel the practice of organizational theories become more critical individuals; improve effectiveness within their organizations and develop the ability to predict organizational behavior. Based on the above, this paper pretends to put into practice the theories and concepts learned so far in the academic course Organization Theory. Accordingly, this script summarizes the practical analysis of the case presented in Jermier’s work “When the Sleeper Wakes”: A Short Story Extending Themes in Radical Organization Theory (Jermier, 1985). This critical analysis will focus on explaining the main concepts of the Anti-Theory; and then to compare and contrast the premises of this school of thought with the models described by classical theorists of organization-administration. The case: “When the Sleeper Wakes”: A Short Story Extending Themes in Radical Organization Theory (Jermier, 1985) This case relates two stories of a man who works for a...
Words: 4267 - Pages: 18
...WELLNESS STORY To purchase this visit here: http://www.activitymode.com/product/ece-214-week-3-assignment-health-and-wellness-story/ Contact us at: SUPPORT@ACTIVITYMODE.COM ECE 214 WEEK 3 ASSIGNMENT HEALTH AND WELLNESS STORY We have explored many areas of health and wellness this week. Based on the information presented in Chapters 5 and 6 of your text, choose one theme that you would like to explore further. Develop this theme into an engaging story that can be shared with children and families. Choose one of the following themes for your storybook: 1. 1. Engaging in Physical Activity 2. Nutritious Eating 3. Illness/Infection Prevention 4. Staying Healthy in School 5. Staying Healthy at Home Once you have selected your theme, you will use either Storybird or PowerPoint to design and share your story. The story/presentation will discuss the chosen theme by presenting at least five teaching points to children in a developmentally appropriate, creative, and engaging way. These could be facts from the textbook, ideas, strategies, or information that are important to understand. For example, you may wish to include a page on how to wash hands. Washing hands would be a teaching point that you want them to understand. This may include the recommended steps to proper hand washing, and may also include pictures, sounds, or audio to help engage children. Be as creative as you’d like, but be sure to include at least five teaching points related to your theme. The storybook...
Words: 1228 - Pages: 5
...Smith ENGL 102-B46 LUO Thesis Statement The stories “The Lottery” and “Young Goodman Brown” both appear to show that human behavior and judgment can be flawed, even if the person’s intentions appear good to them. There is a level of fear and underlying evil in Puritan settings in both stories. I. Introduction/Statement of Thesis II. Themes and Author’s Purpose A. The Lottery i. Just because something has always been done, does not make it right or just; following the crowd can be dangerously wrong and evil. ii. The author shows through symbolism and storytelling that people can be easily influenced by society and those around them. iii. Also, the themes or persecution is addressed. B. Young Goodman Brown i. The theme is that believing that you are a righteous person does not always make you righteous. ii. The idea of doing one evil thing, but justifying it because it is only one time and he will never do it again and will be a good man afterward is addressed. III. Conclusion Symbolism found within “The Lottery” and “Young Goodman Brown” Melissa A. Reeves Liberty University Professor Andrew Smith 08/03/2014 Symbolism is found within both stories “The Lottery” and “Young Goodman Brown”. In both stories, symbols help in conveying the theme to the reader. In Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery”, symbols are used to help convey the theme to the reader and in Nathaniel Hawthorne’s “Young...
Words: 1043 - Pages: 5
...BS When you begin to analyze a story, follow these steps in order to avoid confusion. 1. Read over the story several times One quick read — or even one thorough read — is never sufficient to analyzing a story. Because stories are rather short, you will be able to find time to read the story several times. Analyzing a story you only 'sort of know' will do you no good. Your analysis will be shoddy and it will come across through your writing (or presentation). 2. Discuss the story with a teacher or peer Once you have read the story sufficiently to understand it as best you can, it is helpful to discuss the story with another person. If this story was assigned in school, you will probably be discussing it in class, where you will have the guidance of a teacher and opinions of several other students. More brains are always better than one; consequently, open your mouth and ask your questions. Bring your analysis into the forefront of a conversation so that you can discuss ideas. You may discover that you have found a brilliant new way to view a story. Or, you may discover that your analysis is so far off track that you will need to re-read the story to understand what is truly occurring within. 3. Select a specific theme Stories, like novels, essays, and poems, can carry several themes. You must select one to focus on in your analysis. The beauty of analyzing a story is that it will not be overwrought with too much symbolism or too much plot. It should be fairly easy...
Words: 636 - Pages: 3
...ENWR 106 March 08,2014 Theme In Literature What is the meaning of a theme in literature? A theme or moral of a fable is the lesson that is being portrayed within the story. It is a message that can be taken from a story and personified into one's life. Theme is immensely important in literature due to its ability to share the author's opinion and understanding about life and human experiences. It is impossible to tell a story without letting out one's views and attitudes toward a subject of the story. By sharing these views, it helps someone distinguish or open up to new ways of thinking and feeling. To demonstrate, the theme in Raymond Carver's short story "What We Talk When We Talk About Love" portrays multiple themes, which are love, language and communication, marriage, drugs and alcohol, and violence. Although themes are not directly presented, you can derive an idea or the evidence of what the theme may be from the characters, actions, and settings that formulate the story. For example, based on the what the characters of What We Talk About When We Talk About Love are trying to define as love, you can formulate that one of the themes are the elusive nature of love. For instance, Mel says, " I was going to tell you something. I mean, I was going to prove a point. You see, this happened a few months ago, but it's still going on right now, and it ought to make us feel ashamed when we talk about love like we know what we're talking about when we talk about love" (p. 729)...
Words: 1513 - Pages: 7
