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Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom. Symbols, Themes, and Motifs. What is a symbol?. when something has additional meaning beyond its literal significance When they represent something other than what they are, they are symbolizing something. There are symbols all around us.
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Tuesdays with Morrieby Mitch Albom Symbols, Themes, and Motifs
What is a symbol? • when something has additional meaning beyond its literal significance • When they represent something other than what they are, they are symbolizing something.
There are symbols all around us. • What does this peace sign symbolize? • What does this recycling sign symbolize?
Find the symbols in the following video F:\Prisons_flash_mob.Michel_Jacksons_song(its_realy_nice).mp4
Hibiscus Plant Symbolizes • the natural life cycle which eventually leads to death • as Morrie's condition worsens and he becomes more dependent on people, the pink petals wither and fall
‘Waves on the Ocean’ symbolizes • small wave symbolizes Morrie (happy, loving life) • small wave is happy until he realizes all the waves are going to crash into shore and “die” • another wave comes by and says "you're part of the ocean" (something larger, bigger than himself) • Morrie has come to the realization that he is going to be part of something bigger in the afterlife
Morrie’s bed symbolizes • death (to him) • Morrie prefers to sit in his chair in his study so he can be surrounded by books, pictures, and look out his window. • Morrie moves to his bed in his final days, symbolizing his surrender to death.
What is theme? • the central meaning or dominant idea in a literary work
Don't follow popular culture, develop your own values. But what does this mean?
This means… • Most people dictate their choices and values on what popular culture focuses on (greed, violence, superficiality, etc.) • Morrie encourages Mitch and others to reject popular culture and focus on love, accepting others, forgiveness, and open communication.
How about this one? Love each other or die.
This means… • Love is the essence of every human and every person craves it. Without love in one's life, there is no point in living.
What is a motif? • a recurring subject, theme, idea, etc
Some motifs in Morrie… • the media • food But why are they motifs?
The Media • The media is portrayed as evil. • Throughout the story Mitch references events going on in the media - OJ Simpson trial, celebrity gossip, murders, theft, crime. • The evil media serves to juxtapose (show the opposite of) Morrie's goodness (Mitch and others watch OJ Simpson verdict while Morrie is in the other room).
Food • Mitch brings Morrie his favorite foods every Tuesday, even after he can no longer eat them. • It reminds Mitch of college days when he was passionate about life and Morrie was healthy. • Mitch feels it is the only gift he can give Morrie; he doesn't want to accept that Morrie is closer and closer to death.