THEME AND SYMBOLISM THESAURUS

RITE OF PASSAGE



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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:
Rites of passage are important events that mark a significant change in someone's life. Funerals, weddings, a graduation, and retirement are common examples. For information on COMING OF AGE as a specific rite of passage, please see that entry. 

THEMATIC STATEMENTS THAT MAY APPLY TO YOUR STORY:
Accepting the inevitable is an integral part of life's journey.
Being completely defined by a single role makes it difficult to transition to something new.
The more emphasis you put on a rite of passage, the more likely it will disappoint you.
Every rite of passage involves a period of discomfort.
Formally marking a rite of passage allows one to pass more easily to the next stage.
Rites of passage allow us to see the world differently.
Rituals are an important way of marking time.
Growth and evolution are the earmarks of a successful rite of passage.
Some rites of passage shouldn't have to be endured.

LIES (ANTI-THEMATIC STATEMENTS) YOUR CHARACTER MIGHT BELIEVE:
I can't be happy until I graduate/get married/have a baby/retire/etc.
My life won't be complete until I achieve this milestone.
The next stage of life will be better than this one.
If I ignore the next stage of life, I can stay in this one.
People won't take me seriously if they find out I never _____ (graduated, went to college, married, etc.).
I'm not ready for this change.
If I allow this change to happen, how will I know who I am anymore?

CHARACTER TRAITS TO SUPPORT OR CHALLENGE THE THEME:
CHILDISH, COCKY, CONTROLLING, FOOLISH, HUMORLESS, IMPATIENT, NERVOUS, REBELLIOUS, STUBBORN, TIMID, ADVENTUROUS, AMBITIOUS, APPRECIATIVE, MATURE, NURTURING, PRIVATE, SENTIMENTAL, TRADITIONAL

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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