Les Miserables

-A theme is the central underlying message of a story. The arteries under the skin. The theme is the star without which nothing can exist.

Themes (so far):

1. Societal injustice upon the oppressed.

2. Individual right to self-dignity.

3. Sorrows and joys of self-sacrifice. 

4. Injustice and cruelty against women.

-A symbol is an object with an inherent meaning that is also assigned another in context of the tale. 

Symbols (so far):

1. Silver candlesticks- Hope and salvation.

2. Valjean's convict clothing and staff- Oppression and injustice.

3. Fantine's lovely teeth and hair- Beauty and innocence.

4. Large rusted old iron chain in front of the inn- Slavery, cruelty, bondage.

-A motif is an element (an image or an object) that repeats itself throughout the tale. Motifs lend deeper understanding to the theme and help highlight an idea through repetition.

Motifs (so far):

1. Dysfunctional family structures/relationships.

2. Orphaned children.

3. Poverty

4. Religion