THEME AND SYMBOLISM THESAURUS

MATERIALISM



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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:
MATERIALISM can be defined as a preoccupation with the acquisition of material things. It often goes hand-in-hand with GREED, but while the former is focused on possessions and money, greed is the selfish desire to obtain more of anything (power, land, social media followers, accolades, etc.).

THEMATIC STATEMENTS THAT MAY APPLY TO YOUR STORY:
The one with the most toys wins.
Money can't buy happiness.
Happiness comes from our possessions.
Minimalism is more satisfying than materialism.
Relationships are more important than things.

LIES (ANTI-THEMATIC STATEMENTS) YOUR CHARACTER MIGHT BELIEVE:
I am what I own.
My possessions protect me from poverty, ostracism, and unhappiness.
Buying things is a good way to avoid my feelings and circumstances.
People like me for the things I have, not who I am.
I need more.
I will never have enough.

CHARACTER TRAITS TO SUPPORT OR CHALLENGE THE THEME:
ADDICTIVE, CATTY, COMPULSIVE, EXTRAVAGANT, FRIVOLOUS, GREEDY, IMPULSIVE, INSECURE, MATERIALISTIC, PRETENTIOUS, SPOILED, VAIN, AMBITIOUS, APPRECIATIVE, DISCIPLINED, HONEST, HOSPITABLE, SOPHISTICATED, SPIRITUAL, THRIFTY

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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