THEME AND SYMBOLISM THESAURUS

VIOLENCE



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HELPFUL TIP:

Your story's theme is its central message to readers and can be reinforced with specific symbols and motifs pulled right from the setting. Additionally, symbols woven into a scene can underscore your character's emotions, establish mood, and even generate conflict. Explore your story theme thoughtfully and use associated symbols to do more with less.
THEMATIC STATEMENTS THAT MAY APPLY TO YOUR STORY:
Nothing good ever comes of violence.
Peace cannot be achieved through violence.
Violence only begets more violence.
Resistance does not have to involve violence.
True power should not have to be imposed with violence.
Poverty and injustice beget violence.
Violence is a learned behavior.
An eye for an eye is the only true justice.
The ends justify the means.
Violence is justified—even necessary—in certain scenarios.
Sometimes violence is necessary to effect true change. 
Violence is part of our DNA as human beings.
A pacifist is nothing more than a coward.

LIES (ANTI-THEMATIC STATEMENTS) YOUR CHARACTER MIGHT BELIEVE:
I'm a violent person; that will never change.
I'm stuck in a cycle of violence and will never get out.
I'm reaping what I have sown.
Violence is the most effective way to get what you want.
The only way to find peace is to avenge my loved ones.
Violence must be countered with violence.
Violence is necessary for me to retain my power and authority.

CHARACTER TRAITS TO SUPPORT OR CHALLENGE THE THEME:

WOUNDS THAT MAY SHAPE A CHARACTER'S PERSPECTIVE:
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CREATIVE WORKS THAT EXPLORE THIS THEME:
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NATURAL SYMBOLS FOR THIS THEME:
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HUMAN & SOCIETAL SYMBOLS FOR THIS THEME:
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SYMBOLISM EXAMPLES IN STORIES:
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