Activity Overview
Themes, symbols, and motifs come alive when you use a storyboard. In this activity, students will identify themes and symbols from the novel, and support their choices with details from the text.
Themes and Motifs
Bulls
The bull shows up repeatedly in the stories of Minos and Theseus. Europa is abducted by Zeus in the form of a bull, and gives birth to Minos. Pasiphae, Minos' wife, is forced to lust after a bull in punishment for Minos' dishonesty. The Marathon bull kills Minos' son [some stories say Androgeus was assassinated by jealous rivals], and the Minotaur in the labyrinth is part bull. Our hero also captured the Marathon Bull and sacrificed it to the gods.
Just Rewards
Theseus metes out justice to each of the six foes he faces on his way to Athens. He makes the punishment fit the crime. Literally in some cases. The monster in the middle of the Labyrinth who has a taste for human flesh is slain, never to devour human flesh again.
Triumph of Civilization
Theseus triumphs over unjust and savage beings throughout his story. He defeats the bad guys at every turn, from his "Six Labors" on the road to Athens, to the wild Marathon Bull, the unnatural minotaur, and beyond. Theseus and the Athenian army defeats the invading "unnatural" Amazon force who objected to Theseus taking the Amazon Hippolyta. He also helps the Lapiths fight the centaurs who disrupted a wedding in a most uncivilized way.
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 and motifs in the story of Theseus. Illustrate instances of each and write a short description below each cell.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the theme(s) and/or motifs from the Theseus myth 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. |
Activity Overview
Themes, symbols, and motifs come alive when you use a storyboard. In this activity, students will identify themes and symbols from the novel, and support their choices with details from the text.
Themes and Motifs
Bulls
The bull shows up repeatedly in the stories of Minos and Theseus. Europa is abducted by Zeus in the form of a bull, and gives birth to Minos. Pasiphae, Minos' wife, is forced to lust after a bull in punishment for Minos' dishonesty. The Marathon bull kills Minos' son [some stories say Androgeus was assassinated by jealous rivals], and the Minotaur in the labyrinth is part bull. Our hero also captured the Marathon Bull and sacrificed it to the gods.
Just Rewards
Theseus metes out justice to each of the six foes he faces on his way to Athens. He makes the punishment fit the crime. Literally in some cases. The monster in the middle of the Labyrinth who has a taste for human flesh is slain, never to devour human flesh again.
Triumph of Civilization
Theseus triumphs over unjust and savage beings throughout his story. He defeats the bad guys at every turn, from his "Six Labors" on the road to Athens, to the wild Marathon Bull, the unnatural minotaur, and beyond. Theseus and the Athenian army defeats the invading "unnatural" Amazon force who objected to Theseus taking the Amazon Hippolyta. He also helps the Lapiths fight the centaurs who disrupted a wedding in a most uncivilized way.
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 and motifs in the story of Theseus. Illustrate instances of each and write a short description below each cell.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the theme(s) and/or motifs from the Theseus myth 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 Tos about Themes and Motifs in Theseus
Plan a Theme Hunt Activity for Your Classroom
Engage students with a Theme Hunt by having them search for evidence of key themes and motifs across the Theseus myth as they read or listen.
Why: This helps students practice close reading and builds analytical skills while making learning interactive.
Introduce the Theme Hunt Before Reading
Explain the concept of a Theme Hunt and review the main themes and motifs they might discover.
Why: Setting clear expectations helps students focus their attention and understand what to look for in the text.
Assign Small Groups or Partners
Divide students into pairs or small groups and assign each a specific theme or motif to track.
Why: Collaboration encourages discussion, deeper understanding, and active engagement with the material.
Guide Students to Collect Evidence
Ask students to find and record examples of their assigned theme or motif as they read.
Why: Gathering textual evidence supports comprehension and reinforces critical thinking skills.
Facilitate Group Sharing and Discussion
Invite each group to present their findings to the class and discuss how their theme or motif shapes the story.
Why: Sharing insights promotes a richer understanding of the text and connects different perspectives.
Frequently Asked Questions about Themes and Motifs in Theseus
What are the main themes and motifs in the myth of Theseus?
Main themes and motifs in the myth of Theseus include justice and just rewards, the triumph of civilization over savagery, and recurring symbols like bulls. These elements highlight Theseus’s role as a hero who punishes wrongdoers appropriately and brings order to chaos.
How can students identify themes and symbols in the story of Theseus?
Students can identify themes and symbols by looking for repeated ideas or objects, such as the bull or justice, and supporting their choices with specific details from the text. Storyboards are a helpful tool for visually organizing and illustrating these examples.
Why is the bull an important symbol in the Theseus myth?
The bull is a recurring symbol in the Theseus myth, representing power, danger, and the influence of the gods. Bulls appear in key stories: Zeus as a bull, the Marathon Bull, and the Minotaur, each shaping the hero’s journey and the fate of other characters.
What is the 'triumph of civilization' theme in Theseus’s story?
The triumph of civilization theme shows how Theseus overcomes chaos and savagery by defeating monsters and unjust enemies. His victories—like slaying the Minotaur or helping the Lapiths—demonstrate how order and justice prevail over barbarism.
What’s an easy classroom activity to teach themes and motifs in Greek mythology?
An easy classroom activity is to have students create a storyboard. They identify key themes and motifs from the myth, illustrate examples, and write brief descriptions. This helps students visualize and explain their understanding in an engaging way.
More Storyboard That Activities
Greek Mythology: Theseus
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