ELIC lesson themes and symbols

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• vwo
• Leerjaar 4

ELIC Themes and Symbols

ELIC Themes and Symbols

Purpose of this lesson:

To discover the different themes in ELIC;

To discover how the themes are portrayed in ELIC;

To discover the different symbols in ELIC;

To discover what the different symbols in ELIC represent.

How can the mute help the blind? In Jonathan Safran Foer's novel, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, published in 2005 in the USA, we are introduced to two lost souls who, in their desperate grief, are both attracted and repelled by each other. In this post-modern novel the author uses three narrators to explore the nature of grief for those who have survived a catastrophic disaster. Can they continue to live without allowing their experiences to colour their future? Foer skillfully illustrates that the human condition means that those who have experienced  tragedy are never the same again. This message is highlighted throughout the novel through the use of characterisation, conflict and theme.  

What happens in this short piece of film?

What could be a possible theme in this short piece of film?

Possible other themes in this story?

Definition of a Theme

The theme in a piece of fiction is its controlling idea or its central insight. It is the author's underlying meaning or main idea that he is trying to convey. The theme may be the author's thoughts about a topic or view of human nature. The title of the story may point to what the writer is trying to say and he may use various figures of speech to emphasize the theme, such as: symbol, allusion, simile, metaphor, hyperbole, or irony.   

How is the theme
LOVE portrayed in Oscar?

How is the theme Love present in Grandpa and Grandma?

The theme Death is important in the story as well. Jot down who suffers (4x) from this theme and why.

Who suffers from Trauma and survivor's guilt in ELIC?

1. mother and Oskar
2. grandfather and grandmother
3. mother, Oskar, grandfather and grandmother
4. nobody

What are the two main themes in this story?

Which characters suffer from grief?

1. Mother, Oskar and Grandpa
2. Mother, Oskar and Grandma
3. Oskar, Grandma and Grandpa
4. Oskar, Mother, Grandma and Grandpa

Themes

* Mortality and the purpose of life;

* National and personal tragedy;

* Grief and how to cope with it;

* Love and family;

* Isolation, Communication & Language;

* Puzzles and cleverness;

Write down two symbols in this novel.

Symbols Elic

* Keys and Doorknobs;

* Telephones and answering machines;

* Letters, Notes and Notebooks;

* Science, Mathematics and Inventions;

* the Empty Coffin;

* Heavy Boots;

* Grandpa's hands;

* The name Black;

* The sixth Borough;