Aim: How can we, as students of literature, evaluate the value of Lord of The Flies through a dissection of themes and motifs?
Do Now: Now that you’ve read the entire novel, what do you believe the major themes of the novel are? Why?
The class answered with:
The need for order in a society
The destructiveness human nature when there’s no regulations
Man’s inherent evil
Theme: A broad idea, message, or lesson that is conveyed by a work.
Motif: Any recurring element that has a symbolic significance to the literary work
Deus ex machina: A plot device where a seemingly unsolvable problem is abruptly and suddenly resolved by the contrived and unexpected intervention of some new event, character, ability, or object. Depending upon how it is done it can be intended to move the story forward when the writer has “painted himself into a corner” and sees no other way out.
Group Work: Which is a theme, which is a motif? Why?
Loss of Innocence = theme (it’s not specific to Lord of The Flies)
Piggy’s Glasses = symbol, motif
Negative Consequences of War = theme (universal)
Civilization vs Savagery = theme
The Pig = motif
The Beast = motif
Individuality vs Conformity: theme
*John-Pierre Alkhoury brought up the idea that the beast was a theme and talked about how the beast represents all that’s bad in society, and is thus universal. However, Miss Peterson told him that the beast in this book was specific to this book and was therefore a motif.
Originally, the conch brought the boys together. It symbolized the keeper of the rules, law, order, and civilization. What do you think happened to this belief after Piggy was hit by the rock?
In the beginning of the book, the conch held so much importance. Whoever held it commanded the discussion. But over the course of the story, it loses its power and its importance. When Piggy tries to use it to stop a fight between Ralph and Jack, he is met with comments like “Get out, fatass!” Piggy is under the impression that the conch still holds power. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth since the boys on the island have already lost their humanity. This is evident in the frequent fights and their thirst for blood. They seem to have no conscience, and they’re now indistinguishable from animals.
When Piggy is crushed to death and the conch is crushed with him, it’s all gone.
Civilization, law, rules, and order are no more. The conch no longer has any power.
What is a theme? What is a motif?
A theme is timeless and universal, you can find the same theme in many works of literature, such as “power leads to corruption”.
A motif is specific to one work. Not all symbols are motifs! (symbols have to be used repeatedly in order to become motifs)
Why is it necessary to evaluate these elements in literature?
Analyzing themes and motifs is an essential part of understanding literature. It helps us better understand the author’s intent. Additionally, we can apply these themes to our lives and the present day.
What are the major differences between theme and motif?
Themes are universal and applicable throughout literature, but motifs are limited to single works.
Are all symbols motifs? Why or why not?
No, all symbols are not motifs because in order to be a motif, a symbol needs to be consistent throughout the entire text. Some symbols are only used once, and thus aren’t motifs.
Nearing the end of class, Ms. Peterson tells us how to relieve some testing anxiety and teaches us how to study for the test on Monday. She says that studying in the bedroom is unproductive since the bed is conducive to relaxing. Studying outside is better since the white noise that nature creates helps you think. Studying with music can also help. All in all, the place of studying should have no distractions.
*Organizing and color-coding helps you to remember information.
Miss Peterson says, “My last caveat for all of you is the following”
Sort your notes into three categories:
Stuff you’re sure of
Material you somewhat know.
Stuff that makes you go, “I have no idea, I don’t remember learning this at all.”
This process makes studying more manageable, less scary, and more efficient. You start by studying what you’re least familiar with.
Reflection:
Today in class, I learned about themes and motifs. I learned how to identify and interpret these in literature to better my understanding of the author’s message and the underlying commentary. I can apply these universal themes in my life to view my world more critically. I can analyze my actions and rationalize them using psychology. The studying tips that Ms. Peterson gave us will definitely help me in the future.
