THEME AND SYMBOLISM THESAURUS

TRANSFORMATION



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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:
Transformation is about change. It may include the total evolution of the character into someone new or could involve a key change in mindset, process, personality, or direction. To explore this theme from a spiritual perspective, see the entry on REBIRTH.

THEMATIC STATEMENTS THAT MAY APPLY TO YOUR STORY:
You can't get something new in life if you keep doing things the same way.
Transformation requires sacrifice.
Transformation involves suffering.
Circumstances can only transform you if you let them.
Transformation happens when you stop trying to direct it and just let it happen.
Fearing change will not stop change from happening. 
Transformation requires you to leave your comfort zone.
Any moment or event can be the catalyst for transformation.
You can change anything in your life by changing the way you think about it.
Not all transformation is positive.

LIES (ANTI-THEMATIC STATEMENTS) YOUR CHARACTER MIGHT BELIEVE:
If I make this change, everything will be better.
I'm too far gone to change.
I don't need to change; I'm fine the way I am.
Change is too hard; it's not worth the effort.
If I change, I will lose my friends/job/identity/etc.
I'm not capable of transformation.
There are no opportunities for change in my life. 

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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EXAMPLE(S) FROM LITERATURE:
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