THEME AND SYMBOLISM THESAURUS

A QUEST FOR KNOWLEDGE



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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.
NOTES:
Closely related to KNOWLEDGE, this theme differs because of its quest aspect. The focus here is on the pursuit of knowledge rather than on knowledge itself.

THEMATIC STATEMENTS THAT MAY APPLY TO YOUR STORY:
In order to gain knowledge, one must first realize they don't know everything.
We cannot gain knowledge by doing the same things over and over.
Knowledge that is gained but not shared is useless.
The process of persevering is as important as the goal.
In the process of seeking knowledge, one gains wisdom.
Curiosity is the first step on a quest for knowledge.
Part of gaining knowledge involves making mistakes.
The true goal of any quest for knowledge is a clearer understanding of oneself.
Anyone can learn anything.
The quest for knowledge has no end.

LIES (ANTI-THEMATIC STATEMENTS) YOUR CHARACTER MIGHT BELIEVE:
I'm not smart enough to learn what I need to know.
I know better than everyone else; no one can teach me anything.
Any sacrifice is worth this pursuit.
This journey isn't worth the trouble.
The journey isn't worth the answers I might find.
I can't work with other people.
Finding out isn't worth the effort; it won't make any difference in my life.
I'm too old to start on such a journey.
No one knows the answer to this; how will I ever find it?

CHARACTER TRAITS TO SUPPORT OR CHALLENGE THE THEME:
APATHETIC, CHILDISH, COWARDLY, CYNICAL, DISHONEST, FANATICAL, FRIVOLOUS, GULLIBLE, IGNORANT, IMPATIENT, KNOW-IT-ALL, OBSESSIVE, PERFECTIONIST, SUPERSTITIOUS, UNINTELLIGENT, WEAK-WILLED, ADVENTUROUS, AMBITIOUS, APPRECIATIVE, CURIOUS, DISCIPLINED, HUMBLE, JUST, OBJECTIVE, PASSIONATE, PATIENT, PERSISTENT, SPIRITUAL, STUDIOUS

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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