5.3 Themes and Symbolism in Plays
5 min read•july 30, 2024
Themes and symbolism are the heart and soul of plays. They're the big ideas and hidden meanings that make us think and feel. Understanding these elements helps us connect with the characters and story on a deeper level.
In this part of the chapter, we'll look at how playwrights use themes, symbols, and motifs to explore universal human experiences. We'll also see how the context of when a play was written shapes its meaning and impact.
Central Themes in Plays
Identifying and Interpreting Themes
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- Themes are the underlying ideas, messages or insights about life and the human condition that the playwright explores through the characters, plot, dialogue and other elements of the play
- Central themes are the most prominent, recurrent and significant ideas that run throughout the play and tie together various aspects of the story and characters
- Themes often deal with universal human experiences, emotions, conflicts or issues that are relatable and thought-provoking for audiences across time and cultures (, , power, )
- Identifying themes involves looking for patterns, connections and deeper meanings behind the surface-level events and interactions in the play
Themes and the Human Experience
- Interpreting themes requires considering the playwright's perspective, the characters' journeys, the central conflicts, and how the resolution or lack thereof sheds light on the underlying messages
- The relevance of themes to the human experience can be evaluated by examining how they illuminate aspects of human nature, relationships, society, morality, and the challenges and joys of life
- Themes explore timeless questions and dilemmas that people grapple with, such as the search for meaning, the struggle between individual desires and societal expectations, the complexity of human relationships, and the consequences of choices and actions
- By engaging with themes, audiences can gain insights, empathy and perspective on their own lives and the world around them, recognizing the shared struggles and aspirations that connect people across different contexts
Symbolism in Playwriting
The Role of Symbolism
- Symbolism is the use of objects, characters, settings, or other concrete elements in a play to represent abstract ideas, qualities or concepts that extend beyond their literal meaning
- Playwrights carefully select and incorporate symbols into the world of the play to add layers of significance, create subtext, evoke emotions and guide interpretation of events and characters
- Symbols can be universal archetypes that tap into shared human experiences and associations (light representing hope or knowledge, storms representing chaos or upheaval), or they can be more contextual to the specific world and themes of the play
- Recurring symbols gain power and meaning as they are repeated and developed throughout the play, accumulating associations and offering insight into the characters' psyches, relationships and journeys ( in , in Fences)
Analyzing Symbolism
- Analyzing symbolism involves identifying key symbols in the play, examining their literal and figurative meanings, and interpreting how they connect to and deepen the central themes
- Symbols often evolve and transform over the course of a play, reflecting the characters' changing circumstances, beliefs and self-understanding (the shifting meaning of in The Cherry Orchard)
- Symbolism can operate on multiple levels, from obvious and explicit references to more subtle and ambiguous associations that invite multiple interpretations
- Symbolism enhances themes by providing a tangible, evocative and memorable way to explore abstract ideas, creating a richer and more nuanced understanding of the play's messages
Recurring Motifs in Plays
The Function of Motifs
- Motifs are elements, patterns or structures that are repeated throughout a play to create a sense of cohesion, emphasize key ideas, and guide the audience's understanding of the work as a whole
- Unlike symbols which tend to be concrete objects or images, motifs are often more abstract, such as sounds, lines of dialogue, types of characters, settings or situations that reappear in different contexts (the ticking clock in The Glass Menagerie, the references to seeds and planting in Fences)
- Recurring motifs create a sense of unity and continuity in a play, linking together disparate scenes, characters and subplots through shared associations and parallel experiences
- Motifs can function to highlight the central themes by showing how they manifest across different storylines and circumstances, reinforcing the universality and significance of these ideas
Examining Motifs
- Examining motifs involves identifying the recurring elements in a play, analyzing the contexts in which they appear, and interpreting their cumulative effect on the audience's perception of the characters and themes
- Motifs often develop and intensify over the course of a play, building in significance and emotional resonance as they are repeated in different situations (the increasing presence of illness and death in )
- Contrasting or conflicting motifs can be used to create tension, ambiguity or irony, challenging the audience's expectations and inviting more complex interpretations (the juxtaposition of love and violence in )
- Skillful use of motifs can create a sense of resonance and depth in a play, inviting the audience to make connections, anticipate developments, and arrive at a more complex and memorable understanding of the work's meaning
Contextual Themes and Symbols
The Influence of Context
- Plays are products of the specific time, place and circumstances in which they were created, and their themes and symbols often reflect and respond to the prevailing values, conflicts and issues of their context
- Playwrights are influenced by the social norms, hierarchies, and expectations of their culture, and their works may reinforce, question or subvert these dominant ideologies through their choice of themes and symbols (the critique of gender roles in , the exploration of racial identity in )
- The historical moment in which a play is written shapes the playwright's perspective and priorities, as well as the references, allusions and associations they draw upon to create meaning
- Plays may engage with specific political, economic or cultural events and movements of their time, using themes and symbols to comment on, critique or memorialize these historical realities (the representation of the AIDS crisis in , the reflection on the aftermath of slavery in )
Evaluating Contextual Resonance
- Evaluating the contextual resonance of a play's themes and symbols involves researching the relevant background information, considering how the work reflects and departs from the dominant trends of its time, and analyzing its potential impact and significance for its original audience
- Themes and symbols that are closely tied to a specific context may require more explanation and interpretation for later audiences, while those that tap into more universal human experiences may resonate across time and cultures
- The enduring power of a play's themes and symbols often lies in its ability to balance specificity and universality, using the concrete realities of its context to illuminate more timeless and transcendent truths about the human condition
- Plays that grapple with the pressing issues and questions of their time can offer valuable insights and perspectives for later audiences, inviting reflection on how societies change and persist, and how the struggles and aspirations of the past continue to shape the present
Key Terms to Review (32)
A Doll's House: A Doll's House is a three-act play by Henrik Ibsen that explores themes of gender roles, societal expectations, and self-discovery. The play centers around Nora Helmer, who initially appears to be a submissive wife but ultimately seeks to break free from the constraints of her marriage and society. Its significance lies in its critical examination of the traditional roles of men and women in the 19th century, making it a pioneering work in feminist literature.
A Raisin in the Sun: A Raisin in the Sun is a play written by Lorraine Hansberry that premiered in 1959. It tells the story of a struggling African American family living in Chicago and their dreams for a better life, symbolizing the broader aspirations and frustrations of black Americans during that era. The play explores themes of identity, racism, and the pursuit of dreams while using powerful symbols to convey its messages.
Angels in America: Angels in America is a two-part play written by Tony Kushner that explores the complexities of the AIDS crisis in the 1980s, while addressing themes of politics, identity, and the human condition. The narrative intertwines the lives of diverse characters, emphasizing the struggles against social injustice and personal demons amid a backdrop of both magical realism and harsh reality.
Arthur Miller: Arthur Miller was an influential American playwright known for his powerful works that explore themes of morality, identity, and social responsibility. His writing often focuses on the struggles of individuals against societal pressures, and he is best known for plays like 'Death of a Salesman' and 'The Crucible', which feature complex characters and deep emotional conflicts.
Betrayal: Betrayal refers to the act of breaking trust or loyalty, often leading to feelings of deep disappointment and emotional pain. This concept is crucial in understanding character motivations and conflicts, as it typically serves as a driving force behind key events in narratives. Betrayal can manifest in various forms, including personal, political, or ethical, making it a versatile theme that resonates across different stories and contexts.
Conflict: Conflict refers to a struggle or clash between opposing forces, whether they be characters, groups, or internal struggles within an individual. It drives the narrative forward and is essential for developing characters, themes, and plot dynamics.
Death: Death is the end of life, marking the cessation of all biological functions that sustain a living organism. It is often portrayed in literature as a profound and complex theme that evokes a range of emotions and reflections on mortality, loss, and the meaning of existence. In various forms of artistic expression, death can symbolize transformation, the inevitability of fate, or the consequences of human actions, providing rich ground for interpretation and exploration.
External conflict: External conflict refers to the struggle between a character and an outside force, which can include other characters, society, nature, or even fate. This type of conflict is crucial for advancing the plot and developing characters, as it often drives them to face challenges that reveal their true nature and growth throughout the narrative.
Family: Family refers to a group of individuals related by blood, marriage, or adoption who share emotional bonds and responsibilities. In plays, family serves as a central theme that often explores complex relationships, dynamics, and conflicts, providing a framework to understand the characters' motivations and actions within the narrative.
Feminist reading: Feminist reading is a critical approach to literature that seeks to understand how texts reflect, reinforce, or challenge gender roles and power dynamics between the sexes. This perspective examines the representation of women, their experiences, and the social constructs surrounding femininity and masculinity within literary works. By analyzing themes, characters, and symbols, feminist readings aim to highlight inequalities and promote awareness of women's rights and issues.
Foreshadowing: Foreshadowing is a literary device used by writers to provide hints or clues about events that will occur later in the story. This technique builds anticipation and prepares the audience for future developments, enhancing the overall narrative experience.
Freedom: Freedom refers to the power or right to act, speak, or think without hindrance or restraint. In the context of plays, it often symbolizes the quest for autonomy and the struggle against oppression, reflecting characters’ desires to break free from societal, political, or personal constraints.
Historical context: Historical context refers to the social, political, cultural, and economic environment that surrounds a specific event or work of literature during the time it was created. This background influences the themes, characters, and setting, as well as the author's purpose and style, ultimately shaping the reader's understanding and interpretation of the text.
Identity: Identity refers to the qualities, beliefs, personality traits, and expressions that make a person or group unique. It is shaped by various factors including culture, experiences, and social interactions, and is often explored in literature through characters, themes, and narrative techniques.
Internal Conflict: Internal conflict refers to a psychological struggle within a character, often involving competing desires, emotions, or beliefs. This conflict can drive the character's development and impact the overall narrative, as it can affect their decisions, relationships, and actions throughout the story.
Love: Love is a complex and multifaceted emotion that encompasses affection, attachment, and deep care for others. It serves as a central theme in literature, often depicted through the relationships between characters, driving plots and highlighting emotional depth. This concept can manifest in various forms, such as romantic love, familial love, or platonic love, influencing characters' motivations and actions within narratives.
Monologue: A monologue is a lengthy speech delivered by a single character in a play, intended to express their thoughts, feelings, or reflections. This dramatic device allows for deeper character development and provides the audience with insight into the character's inner world. Monologues often highlight key themes, emotional conflicts, and motivations, making them essential for understanding the dynamics of the narrative and the symbolism embedded within the play.
Romeo and Juliet: Romeo and Juliet is a tragic play written by William Shakespeare that tells the story of two young lovers from feuding families in Verona. Their love, which transcends their families' hatred, ultimately leads to their untimely deaths, illustrating themes of love, fate, and the consequences of family loyalty. The play is rich with symbolism, using elements like light and darkness to convey the intensity of their emotions and the obstacles they face.
Setting as a Character: Setting as a character refers to the way in which the environment, time, and place in a narrative not only serve as a backdrop but actively influence the plot and characters, almost taking on a personality of its own. This concept emphasizes that the setting can shape the emotional tone, drive conflict, and even serve as an agent for character development, making it a vital component in understanding the deeper themes and symbolism within plays.
Shakespeare: William Shakespeare was an English playwright, poet, and actor, widely regarded as one of the greatest writers in the English language and the world's pre-eminent dramatist. His works are notable for their rich themes, complex characters, and masterful use of language, which explore timeless human experiences and societal issues.
Soliloquy: A soliloquy is a dramatic device used in plays where a character speaks their thoughts aloud, typically while alone on stage, revealing their inner feelings and motivations to the audience. This technique allows for deep character exploration and can highlight themes such as conflict, introspection, and the nature of reality versus appearance.
Tennessee Williams: Tennessee Williams was an influential American playwright known for his powerful exploration of complex characters and their emotional struggles. His works often delve into themes of desire, family dynamics, and the fragility of human relationships, using rich symbolism and vivid imagery to convey deeper meanings.
The Cherry Orchard: The Cherry Orchard is a play by Russian playwright Anton Chekhov that premiered in 1904. It is a tragicomedy that explores themes of loss, change, and the passage of time through the story of an aristocratic family facing the sale of their ancestral estate, which includes a beloved cherry orchard. The play uses the orchard as a central symbol representing both the beauty and fragility of life, as well as the broader societal changes occurring in Russia during that period.
The color red: The color red is a powerful symbol often associated with strong emotions, including passion, love, anger, and danger. In the context of plays, red can serve as a visual cue that enhances themes and character motivations, creating an emotional resonance that deepens the audience's connection to the narrative.
The fence: In the context of plays, 'the fence' symbolizes barriers or boundaries that characters face, whether they are emotional, social, or physical. This metaphorical fence represents the obstacles that prevent characters from achieving their desires and goals, often leading to conflict and tension within the narrative. It highlights themes of division, isolation, and the struggle for connection in human relationships.
The Glass Menagerie: The Glass Menagerie is a memory play by Tennessee Williams that tells the story of a struggling family, focusing on the dynamics between Tom Wingfield, his sister Laura, and their overbearing mother Amanda. The play explores themes of memory, loss, and the struggle to escape one's circumstances, using symbolism to deepen the emotional impact of the characters' experiences.
The glass unicorn: The glass unicorn is a symbol representing fragile beauty and unattainable dreams, often seen in literature and drama. This term connects to themes of illusion versus reality, where the glass unicorn embodies both the preciousness of aspirations and their vulnerability to shatter under harsh truths.
The piano lesson: The Piano Lesson is a play by August Wilson that explores the complexities of African American identity, heritage, and family dynamics. The play serves as a rich canvas for themes of ownership, legacy, and the struggle between materialism and cultural preservation, encapsulating the African American experience in the 20th century.
The scarlet letter: The scarlet letter is a symbol of shame and societal judgment in Nathaniel Hawthorne's novel, representing the punishment of Hester Prynne for her adultery. This term connects deeply to themes of sin, guilt, and redemption, highlighting the struggle between individual identity and societal expectations. The scarlet letter, 'A', becomes a powerful emblem within the narrative, reflecting Hester's complex journey through ostracism and resilience.
The white whale: The white whale symbolizes the unattainable goal or obsession in literature, most famously represented in Herman Melville's 'Moby Dick'. It represents Ahab's relentless pursuit of vengeance and meaning, capturing the themes of fate, nature, and humanity's struggle against the unknown. The white whale serves as a powerful metaphor for the conflicts between man and nature, as well as the dangers of obsession.
Time period influence: Time period influence refers to the impact that the historical, cultural, and social context of a specific era has on artistic expression and storytelling, particularly in plays. This influence shapes the themes, symbols, and character development within a work, often reflecting the values, struggles, and norms prevalent during that time.
Wit: Wit is a form of intelligent humor that involves quick thinking and a clever use of language. It often employs wordplay, puns, and double entendres to create a humorous effect, making it a powerful tool in plays to convey themes and develop characters. Wit can serve to entertain, provoke thought, and reveal deeper truths about human nature and society.