The War That Saved My Life Themes Symbols and Motifs
Süžeeskeem Kirjeldus
Students can track the different themes, symbols and motifs present in the novel and create a spider map that labels, defines and illustrates them.
Süžeeskeem Tekst
- WAR
- HORSES
- MENTAL AND PHYSICAL ABUSE
- The book is set during the outbreak of World War II and there are many references to spies, air raids, and the battle of Dunkirk. However, Ada's war is the physical and mental abuse and neglect from her mother. She has been a prisoner in their London flat for her entire life, never allowed to go outside. Her personal war is escaping her mother and finding freedom.
- One way for Ada to cope with the trauma of a life of abuse is to escape into her head and dream of being somewhere else. The first time she sees a girl riding on a horse, she dreams of the freedom of running fast like that. It symbolizes freedom of movement and freedom of choice, both of which were denied Ada her entire life. Riding and caring for Butter is extremely therapeutic for Ada.
- Mam abuses Ada by never letting her go outside. She also hits her and locks her in a roach filled cabinet. Ada is not allowed to try to walk and is forced to crawl. Mam calls Ada's club foot an ugly foot and tells Ada that it is her fault. She makes Ada feel ashamed of herself and as if she is not worthy of things like an education. These scars linger with Ada long after she has escaped Mam.
- SELF ESTEEM
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- THE WAR THAT SAVED MY LIFE THEMES, SYMBOLS, AND MOTIFS
- FRIENDSHIP
- LITERACY
- SwissFamilyRobinson
- The abuse that Mam inflicted on Ada her entire life is devastating to her self esteem. She does not feel worthy of love or kindness shown to her in any way. When Susan lovingly sews her a new dress for Christmas, she thinks "I heard Mam’s voice shrieking in my head. “You ugly piece of rubbish! Filth and trash! No one wants you, with that ugly foot!”
- Ada has never had a friend her entire life except for Jamie. She helps Margaret Thornton when she falls off her horse and develops her first friendship. She also makes friends with Fred Grimes the farrier at the Thornton estate and begins helping him with the horses. These friendships help Ada to feel loved, have a sense of purpose and become connected to the community.
- When Ada and Jamie arrive at Susan Smith's house, they've had no formal schooling. Susan helps them learn to read and write and reads them classics. Being able to read and write is another form of freedom for Ada, as she's able to communicate and express herself, and will later have the opportunity to attend school and broaden her horizons.
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