1. I think theme is exceptionally important. I think the most important aspect of any work of literature, be it visual or otherwise, is the characters. Although I suppose it is through the characters that a theme is explored. The theme is what gives people pause after they read a work. What did it mean to them? Did it express the idea that rebellion is the key to making progress? Other than for strict enjoyment, books are meant to express emotions and ideas about life, and teach us about lifestyles and life paths that may be completely different or shockingly similar to ours. An example of this is The Jungle. First of all, I'm not a socialist. I like capitalism just fine. But that doesn't mean the powerful themes didn't affect me. It's extremely difficult to work and work and work for your family without feeling selfish longings. Even though I don't have to work in completely awful cnditions in the meatpacking business in Chicago in 1906, the themes still resonate. I didn't realate to the plot at all, but I did realte to the themes.
2. One theme that is very interesting to explore is learning to let go of one's past. This can be either letting go of a person who you were involved with, letting go of a previous lifestyle, previous fame or fortun, or even being able to forgive yourself for your past. I think this is one of the most difficult lessons to learn. It is a very hard lesson to communicate, especially through a shot play, but it is easy to approach for many many characters. This is completely different from the thing I'm concerned about from my first post, but I don't particularly feel like writing about pretend stupidity.
3.Probably one of the oldest conflicts in the history of the world is family conflict. Especially sibling rivalry. It's as old as Cain and Able. And its something most people can relate to. Even if your reader/viewer is an only child, they know the stereotype of siblng rivalry. Family conflict or rebelling against your famly is a conflict that can be approached in so many different ways, ages of the characters etc. It can be connected to many themes, so every story can be different.
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6 comments:
I totally agree with your theme for #2. It can actually apply to real life pretty well too, or at least make people think about their pasts and how it has affected them. We just watched this movie in French class called Le Jour se lève (starring Jean Gabin) where he thinks about the events of his past as he contemplates suicide.
Aussi, j'ai trouvé que ta réponse à #3 est très classique! Ca me fait penser à toi et ton frère =D
I really agree with you on prompt one. I don't know why theme would be something that's not important. I do feel that the most important part of a book is that moment after you are done reading it and say, what did I get out of this, what do I feel about this. This is why I love reading.
Mait!!! Thanks, I like your ideas that I just "breathed in". haha. Your comments on sibling rivalry are very true. Hmmm... could this be you and Sebastian?? You MUST get a 5 on that Euro exam! :) Read my second response to today's question. You'll like it.
Letting go of the past and resolving sibling rivalries would make great topics for a play. If you think about it, it's basically the entire plot of Lion King in a nutshell.
Hey Maitland, check out a scene from the JANE EYRE musical (if you want). It's at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ZnfXOtg2qc
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