THEME AND SYMBOLISM THESAURUS

SUFFERING



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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 is no escape from suffering in life. 
People are the biggest cause of their own suffering.
Those who blame others for their suffering become victims.
There is power in taking responsibility for one's own suffering.
A person can withstand anything if good can come from it.
Suffering makes a person stronger. 
Suffering develops character.
There is honor in suffering.
Suffering is proof against God's existence.

LIES (ANTI-THEMATIC STATEMENTS) YOUR CHARACTER MIGHT BELIEVE:
Suffering should be avoided at all costs.
I shouldn't have to suffer to get what I want.
If I'm going to suffer, then others should suffer along with me.
Suffering is good for getting people to feel sorry for you and do what you want.
I deserve to suffer for what I've done.
This will never end.
I must hide my suffering from others.

CHARACTER TRAITS TO SUPPORT OR CHALLENGE THE THEME:
ABRASIVE, ADDICTIVE, CALLOUS, CHILDISH, DEFENSIVE, EVIL, FANATICAL, IRRATIONAL, MARTYR, MORBID, PESSIMISTIC, SELF-DESTRUCTIVE, SELF-INDULGENT, VINDICTIVE, ADAPTABLE, APPRECIATIVE, CENTERED, EASYGOING, HUMBLE, OPTIMISTIC, PASSIONATE, PRIVATE, SOCIALLY AWARE

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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