Activity Overview
Valuable aspects of any literary work are its themes, symbols, and motifs. Part of the Common Core ELA standards is to introduce and explain these complex concepts. However, abstract ideas are often difficult for students to anatomize without assistance. Using a storyboard, students can visually demonstrate their understanding of these concepts, and master analysis of literary elements.
Themes and Imagery to Look For & Discuss
Friendship
True friendship is an important theme. Despite Pip’s changes throughout the novel, his true friends remain loyal to him. Even though Biddy knows Estella is not a good person for Pip, she still aids him in learning and becoming educated. She serves as the voice of reason and constantly reminds Pip how poorly he treats others. Joe is like a brother and father to Pip, he never forsakes him, and even pays off Pip's obscene debts. Herbert assists Pip by providing him a job, even after Pip is nearly thrown in debtors prison.
Social Class
Dickens portrays a strong division between the social classes of London. His personal attitudes are conveyed as the reader is pulled to adore the commoners for their down to earth and genuine personalities. The upper-class are constantly seen as ostentatious, snobbish, and unreasonable. This contrast shows that social status does not correspond with a person’s true worth.
Motifs & Symbols
Settings
Many of the settings in Great Expectations are motifs or symbols. For example, Satis House, where Miss Havisham lives, means ‘enough’ in Latin. The occupants have everything they need, but it has become a time capsule which preserving the movement Miss Havisham was left at the altar by her betrothed. Inside its crumbling walls, clocks stopped, Miss Havisham remains dressed in her wedding gown, and her cake rots on the great table. Each of the items is another symbol of Miss Havisham’s own decay.
Joe’s forge is the opposite; its warm fire and large hearth symbolize the warmth, love, and the friendship that Joe and Pip share. Like Joe, the forge is inviting and accepting.
Just like Pip himself, his apartments in London pretend to be something they are not. Although they are in chic London, they are shabby and poorly maintained. They give the appearance of wealth, but are nothing more than glorified slums.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that identifies recurring themes in Great Expectations. Illustrate instances of each theme and write a short description below each cell.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the theme(s) from Great Expectations you wish to include and replace the "Theme 1" text.
- Create an image for an example that represents this theme.
- Write a description of each of the examples.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | Needs Improvement | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Identification of Theme(s), Symbol(s), and/or Motif(s) | All themes are correctly identified as important recurring topics or messages in the story. Symbols are correctly identified as objects that represent something else at a higher level in the story. Motifs are correctly identified as important recurring features or ideas in the story. | Most themes are correctly identified, but others are missing or incomplete. Most symbols are correctly identified, but some objects are missing or incomplete. Some motifs are correctly identified, but others are missing or incomplete. | Most themes are missing, incomplete, or incorrect. Most symbols are missing, incomplete, or incorrect. Most motifs are missing, incomplete, or incorrect. | No themes, symbols, or motifs are correctly identified. |
| Examples and Descriptions | Quotes and examples are accurate to the theme(s), symbol(s), and/or motif(s) that are being identified. Descriptions accurately explain the theme(s), symbol(s), and/or motif(s) and highlight their significance to the story. | Most quotes and examples are accurate to the theme(s), symbol(s), and/or motifs that are being identified. Descriptions mostly accurately explain the theme(s), symbol(s), and/or motif(s), and highlight their significance to the story. | Most quotes and examples are minimal, incorrect, or unrelated to the theme(s), symbol(s), and/or motif(s) that are being identified. Descriptions contain inaccuracies in their explanations, or do not highlight their significance to the story. | Examples and descriptions are missing or too minimal to score. |
| Depiction | Depictions chosen for theme(s), symbol(s), and/or motif(s) are accurate to the story and reflect time, effort, thought, and care with regard to placement and creation of the scenes. | Depictions chosen for theme(s), symbol(s), and/or motif(s) are mostly accurate to the story. They reflect time and effort put into placement and creation of the scenes. | Depictions chosen for theme(s), symbol(s), and/or motif(s) are inaccurate to the story. The depictions may be rushed or show minimal effort, time, and care put into placement and creation of the scenes. | Most depictions are missing too many elements or are too minimal to score. Little time or effort has been put into placement and creation of the scenes. |
| English Conventions | There are no errors in spelling, grammar, or mechanics throughout the storyboard. All writing portions reflect careful proofreading and accuracy to the story. | There are a few errors in spelling, grammar, and mechanics throughout the storyboard. All writing portions show accuracy to the story and some proofreading. | There are several errors in spelling, grammar, and mechanics throughout the storyboard. Most writing portions do not reflect proofreading or accuracy to the story. | Errors in spelling, grammar, and mechanics in writing portions of the storyboard seriously interfere with communication. |
How To Identify Themes in Great Expectations
Introduce Themes
Begin by explaining the concept of themes to students and give a basic definition of the idea. Also, inform the students regarding the difference between motifs and symbols and how these concepts are used in the literature. If students are able to understand the themes in the story, it would enhance their overall understanding.
Discuss Examples
Teachers can either discuss general examples from other stories or ratings that students are familiar with or discuss general examples. Give some short passages to students for practicing and identifying themes. This activity will enhance their critical thinking.
Analyze Pip’s Life
Examine how Pip changes as the tale progresses. Pay attention to his difficulties, disagreements, and personal development. Characters frequently represent certain themes or concepts, and their experiences help to explore those topics.
Analyze the Setting and Context
A novel's setting and atmosphere can influence its topics. The contrast between the marshes and the city, as well as the depiction of the dilapidated Satis House, in "Great Expectations," can stand in for concepts like purity vs. impurity and the influence of environment on character.
Study Author’s Intentions
Investigate the novel's historical and cultural setting, as well as the author's upbringing and philosophical views. This might shed light on the subjects the author wished to address. The themes of "Great Expectations" echo Charles Dickens' penchant for writing about societal difficulties and moral quandaries.
Frequently Asked Questions About Themes, Symbols, and Motifs in Great Expectations
Which themes run throughout "Great Expectations"?
"Great Expectations" explores a number of important topics, including socioeconomic class and ambition, crime and punishment, identity and self-discovery, love and rejection, and the influence of environment and upbringing on character.
What part does the novel's topic of socioeconomic class play?
A major subject in the book is social class, with characters like Pip trying to climb the social ladder, Estella being brought up to despise those from lesser ranks, and Magwitch's metamorphosis demonstrating how flexible class lines are.
What significance do Satis House and the marshes have in the narrative?
Satis House represents decline and disappointment, mirroring the pessimism of Miss Havisham and other figures. The wetlands symbolize the perilous and desolate surroundings Pip must travel in order to manage his own growth.
How does "Great Expectations" tackle the theme of parental figures?
Characters like Joe, who acts as a protective and loving father figure for Pip, and Magwitch, whose unanticipated concern for Pip contrasts with his criminal history, are examples of the concept of parental figures.
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