THEME AND SYMBOLISM THESAURUS

RECOGNITION



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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:
Image is everything.
External validation won't bring true fulfillment.
True value is found in internal revelation.
If we make ourselves slaves to the recognition of others, we will lose our true selves.
The end justifies the means.
Doing something worthy of recognition always requires sacrifice.
Everyone deserves recognition for the things they've done.
Doing well is its own reward.

LIES (ANTI-THEMATIC STATEMENTS) YOUR CHARACTER MIGHT BELIEVE:
If I don't accomplish something worthy of the recognition of others, I'm nobody.
I need everyone to know what I've done.
People will always see me as ordinary.
The job is worthless unless I'm recognized for it.
If I can achieve _____, they'll have to accept me.
If I can achieve ____, it will make up for shortcomings in other areas.
No one acknowledges what I have to offer.
I'll never be as good as _____.
To make it, I have to work harder than everyone else.
If I don't do something extraordinary, I'll disappoint those who believe in me.
I need to be remembered for what I've done or else my life has no meaning.
If I distinguish myself, I'll rise above my past.

CHARACTER TRAITS TO SUPPORT OR CHALLENGE THE THEME:
FRIVOLOUS, IMPATIENT, INSECURE, KNOW-IT-ALL, MACHO, NEEDY, PERFECTIONIST, PRETENTIOUS, AMBITIOUS, HUMBLE

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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