Symbolism, Motif, and Theme

Front

Objects, characters, figures, and colors used to represent ideas or concepts

Back

Symbol

Front

The controlling idea or central insight of a story

Back

Theme

Front

Means more than what it is

Back

Symbol

Front

Recurring structures, contrasts, and literary devices that can help develop a text’s major themes

Back

Motif

Front

What is a unifying generalization about life or remark about the human condition?

Back

Theme

Front

Based on the passage from “Paul’s Case” by Willa Cather, what would be a logical motif? Options: cold weather, lemonade and summertime, the color red and flowers, the glass pitcher.

Back

the color red and flowers

Front

What does the quilt symbolize in "Everyday Use" by Alice Walker?

Back

The quilt symbolizes the heritage of this family and represents where they’ve come from and the people who have come before them.

Front

What does the sailboat symbolize in "The Lesson" by Toni Cade Bambara?

Back

The sailboat symbolizes life’s opportunity, which is equally available to all people yet seems unfairly more accessible to people who grow up with money.