THEME AND SYMBOLISM THESAURUS

BORDERS



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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:
Good fences make good neighbors.
The grass is always greener on the other side.
People fear the unfamiliar.
Borders create an us versus them mentality. 
Borders are a means of control.
The most significant borders exist in people's minds and hearts.
It takes courage to cross a border into a new space.
Crossing borders results in opening our minds to new people, cultures, and experiences.

LIES (ANTI-THEMATIC STATEMENTS) YOUR CHARACTER MIGHT BELIEVE:
It's better to stay in my comfort zone.
It's not safe out there.
I'm happy living in my bubble.
Leaving would be disloyal.
The borders exist for my own good.
It's best not to rock the boat.
What's happening elsewhere doesn't matter because it doesn't affect me.
I should be able to go wherever I want.
People should stay in their own lanes.

CHARACTER TRAITS TO SUPPORT OR CHALLENGE THE THEME:
APATHETIC, CONFRONTATIONAL, GREEDY, IGNORANT, IMPULSIVE, INFLEXIBLE, JUDGMENTAL, KNOW-IT-ALL, PARANOID, POSSESSIVE, REBELLIOUS, RECKLESS, SELFISH, TIMID, WEAK-WILLED, WORRYWART, APPRECIATIVE, COOPERATIVE, COURAGEOUS, CURIOUS, HONEST, HONORABLE, HOSPITABLE, OBEDIENT, OBSERVANT, PROTECTIVE, SENTIMENTAL, SIMPLE, SOCIALLY AWARE, TOLERANT, TRUSTING

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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