Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom Symbols, Themes, and Motifs

What is a symbol? when something has additional meaning beyond its literal significance When they represent something other than what they are, they are symbolizing something.

There are symbols all around us. What does this peace sign symbolize? What does this recycling sign symbolize?

Find the symbols in the following video..\..\Education Videos\Symbolism.mp4

What does the hibiscus plant symbolize?

Hibiscus Plant Symbolizes the natural life cycle which eventually leads to death as Morrie's condition worsens and he becomes more dependent on people, the pink petals wither and fall

What does the ‘Waves on the Ocean’ story symbolize?

‘Waves on the Ocean’ symbolizes small wave symbolizes Morrie (happy, loving life) small wave is happy until he realizes all the waves are going to crash into shore and “die” another wave comes by and says "you're part of the ocean" (something larger, bigger than himself) Morrie has come to the realization that he is going to be part of something bigger in the afterlife

What does Morrie’s bed symbolize?

Morrie’s bed symbolizes death (to him) Morrie prefers to sit in his chair in his study so he can be surrounded by books, pictures, and look out his window. Morrie moves to his bed in his final days, symbolizing his surrender to death.

What is theme? the central meaning or dominant idea in a literary work

Don't follow popular culture, develop your own values. But what does this mean?

This means… This means… Most people dictate their choices and values on what popular culture focuses on (greed, violence, superficiality, etc.) Morrie encourages Mitch and others to reject popular culture and focus on love, accepting others, forgiveness, and open communication.

How about this one? Love each other or die.

This means… Love is the essence of every human and every person craves it. Without love in one's life, there is no point in living.

What is a motif? a recurring subject, theme, idea, etc

Some motifs in Morrie… the media food But why are they motifs?

The Media The media is portrayed as evil. Throughout the story Mitch references events going on in the media - OJ Simpson trial, celebrity gossip, murders, theft, crime. The evil media serves to juxtapose (show the opposite of) Morrie's goodness (Mitch and others watch OJ Simpson verdict while Morrie is in the other room).

Food Mitch brings Morrie his favorite foods every Tuesday, even after he can no longer eat them. It reminds Mitch of college days when he was passionate about life and Morrie was healthy. Mitch feels it is the only gift he can give Morrie; he doesn't want to accept that Morrie is closer and closer to death.