The Metamorphosis – Motifs and Symbols to Themes to Universal Ideas

NAME: DATE: PER:

Ultimately, we want to focus our essays around a universal theme that is established in the thesis statement. To create a thesis statement, ask yourself: What motifs or symbols does the author use to develop the theme and what is the universal idea he is trying to make?

Let’s use The Odyssey (this will be good review J). For example, if the theme were Loyalty and the Importance of Lineage, the thesis statement could be:

Throughout The Odyssey, Homer uses storytelling to remind the reader how important it is to be faithful to family and friends and not to bring shame to those who have gone before.

Motifs

Motifs are recurring structures, contrasts, and literary devices that can help to develop and inform the text’s major themes.

Storytelling

Disguises

Seductresses


Themes

Themes are the fundamental and often universal ideas explored in a literary work.

The Power of Cunning over Strength

The Pitfalls of Temptation

Hospitality and Respect for the Gods

Loyalty and the Importance of Lineage

Symbols

Symbols are objects, characters, figures, and colors used to represent abstract ideas or concepts.

Food

Positive: Hospitality

Negative:

o  Odysseus tarries in the cave of the Cyclops

o  His men slaughter the Sun’s flocks

o  They eat the fruit of the lotus.

o  The suitors slaughter the palace’s livestock.

o  Odysseus kills the suitors just as they are starting their dinner

o  The monsters of the Odyssey owe their monstrosity at least in part to their diets or the way that they eat.

o  Scylla swallows six of Odysseus’s men, one for each head.

o  The Cyclops eats humans

àIn these cases, excessive eating represents not just lack of self-control, but also the total absence of humanity and civility.

Make a thesis statement based on the symbol of food / motif of meals. UNIVERSAL STATEMENT:

Now, consider this in relation to The Metamorphosis.

Symbols / Motifs / Universal Themes

Now, in your small group, find at least three examples of the exploration of the a single theme you choose from above. Cite specific instances and page numbers to prove your point.

Theme from The Metamorphosis: Page #s

A.

B.

C.

Create a thesis statement. Ask yourself: What motifs or symbols does Kafka use to develop the theme and what is the universal idea he is trying to make?

UNIVERSAL STATEMENT: