THEME AND SYMBOLISM THESAURUS

OBSTACLES



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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:
There will always be obstacles in life.
How you approach an obstacle can determine your success or failure.
Obstacles are opportunities for being and doing better.
There's a good side to everything that happens.
An obstacle that is embraced is no longer an obstacle.
The people who overcome obstacles are the ones who don't give up.
There's more than one solution for every problem.

LIES (ANTI-THEMATIC STATEMENTS) YOUR CHARACTER MIGHT BELIEVE:
No one else has the problems I have.
Everything always goes wrong for me. 
The obstacles in my life are just too big.
Stumbling blocks are a sign that I'm not meant to have what I want.
If I aim low, the obstacles will be easier to overcome.
I shouldn't have to work this hard to get what I want.
What I'm striving for isn't worth the hassle.

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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