Lesson 10 — Activity 2:

Using Proverbs to Express Theme

Proverbs, or sayings expressing well-known truths or facts, are common in many cultures and languages. Every culture has a collection of wise sayings that offer advice about how to live your life.  Consider some of these examples:

In some ways, these proverbs are very similar to themes we might find when reading or watching different examples of interpretive fiction. Each of the proverbs above could be thought of or expressed as a theme about some part of life.

As proverbs are simple truths, they can carry great moral weight (what is right and wrong). If used correctly, proverbs can have a great impact on the listener and can urge them to act as the proverb suggests.

Here are some more proverbs that you've probably heard before, along with their meanings.

PROVERB	MEANING
"Two wrongs don't make a right."	When someone has done something bad to you, trying to get revenge will only make things worse.
"The pen is mightier than the sword."	Trying to convince people with ideas and words is more effective than trying to force people to do what you want.
"When in Rome, do as the Romans do."	Act the way that the people around you are acting.
"When the going gets tough, the tough gets going."	Strong people don't give up when they come across challenges. They just work harder.
"Better late than never."	It is better to do something late than to not do it at all.