The theme of Beautiful Creatures is made apparent through character's thoughts, actions, and dialogue. The theme of the book is to take control of yourself, and to be the leader of your own life. Ethan and Lena are struggling with the idea that Lena and her Caster powers are going to be claimed either for the light or for the dark. Lena feels like she has no control over this decision and is afraid she will be claimed for the dark and not for the light.
However, they keep running into signs that give Lena advice about what to do. For example, they find a message in Ethan's father's study, which they had to decode. "I looked at Lena, and held out the paper...It was as clear as if my mom was standing in the study, telling us with her own words, with her own voice. CLAIM YOURSELF...it was a message for Lena." (Garcia, 307). This message told Lena to take charge of her fate, and to be what she wanted to be. The theme was communicated through the character's actions because the message was an action taken by Ethan's mother.
Another example of this theme was located in Ethan's thoughts. In the text it says, "Whether it was up to us or the stars, I couldn't just sit around and wait to find out." (Garcia, 301). This quote shows that theme can be demostrated through a character's thoughts. The theme is clearly stated in the thoughts of the character, explaining that Ethan wasn't going to let Lena sit around and wait for her to be claimed, rather he wanted her to have her own choice.
Even though the story is about Casters (mythical people with extrordinary powers), and it is a story about Lena being claimed, it can also reflect real life issues of today. A real life issue that this could reflect is people (specifically teenagers) figuring out what they want to do in life, and who they are going to be. The story can also reflect the pressure from society about an individual's choices. The author believes that people should take control of their fate, which is the overall theme of Beautiful Creatures.
Georgia, you did a great job with the theme of Beautiful Creatures. I liked how you connected the theme back to the real world. I have some questions though:
ReplyDeleteWhat kind of extraordinary powers do Casters have?
How and When are Casters claimed to the light and dark side? What is the significance of this?
Can you change what side you are after you've been claimed? Since the theme is control your fate can you change your fate?
Hi Rachel! Casters have powers that let them 'cast' or use a spell to change something, and they can also control different elements, like weather. Unusual events can also occur if they have a sudden change in emotion. For example, windows can break, or a thunderstorm could happen. Casters are claimed for either the Light or the Dark on the midnight of their sixteenth birthday. They know which side they would be claimed for based on a number of things. If they are claimed Dark, their eyes glow a dark gold. But mainly, they know which side they are claimed for simply just by 'knowing'. Other than some appearance differences, other characters can't look at a Caster and know if they are Light or Dark. It is significant whether you are Light or Dark because their is a struggle between the two groups of Casters. As for your last two questions, you are going to have to read the book to find the answers. I hope this helps answer some of your questions!
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