The connection between Symbols and Themes in
My Sister’s Keeper
NOTICE HOW MUCH THE SYMBOLS INTERCONNECT
NOTE: These possible themes are just my ideas based on the symbols Picoult
gives us. What do you think? Do you agree? Disagree?
Have a different or new interpretation?
Fire- life saving (warmth, protection), also destructive when misused or uncontrolled
(Brian as a controller of fire-Jesse as abuser of fire-Fire within family
burning out of control)
POSSIBLE IDEAS or THEMES Things that are beyond our control (fire, love, disease) can bring you
closer or destroy you.
Astronomy-fate is “written in the stars” (we don’t know what will be)



stars are balls of FIRE that can give guidance to lost souls. (mariners)
The ancient belief that souls die and become stars.
POSSIBLE IDEAS or THEMES
We can only try to understand that which is so far above us; really
we are at the mercy of fate.
Sometimes when we are lost, we neglect (or use) the very things in
front of us that could guide us home.
Even the most mysterious things are different from up close
(stars look like fixed points of light and beauty. They are really
moving balls of FIRE that will burn out). Not everything is what is
appears to be…
Greek Mythology/Tragedy
Andromeda (Anna’s real name) chained to a rock as a sacrifice for
mother (see novel for full story)
Orpheus and Eurydice-Orpheus loses faith that Eurydice is behind
him following, and she dies again!
Hercules- performs laborious tasks only to later be destroyed by the
ones he left behind (although he is killed by FIRE he is later
made immortal-lives on Mount Olympus among the STARS)





Epimetheus and Prometheus-two brothers who thought differently.
Prometheus sought to protect man from harm so he stole FIRE
twice from Zeus. He was eternally punished by being chained to
a rock and tortured by a vulture he ate his liver daily. He is
later released from the rock by HERCULES
Pandora is given as a “gift” to mankind. Zeus makes her really to be a
punishment. She was made to be beautiful but bring mankind
down. Her curiosity caused her to “open the jar of evils” and
release disease, famine, drought, and all other ills to mankind.
She manages to save hope, so man has hope to survive.
POSSIBLE IDEAS or THEMES
Andromeda- Sometimes we sacrifice our loved ones for our own
mistakes (Cassiopeia’s mistake for which Andromeda suffers).
Orpheus and Eurydice- Sometimes our lack of faith destroys
the very things we are hoping to protect.
Hercules-Sometimes we have to go through many many labors
and be destroyed before we are rewarded.
Epimetheus and Prometheus- Impulsive decisions can be
disastrous. Fierce Loyalty is rewarded but ultimately has a
dear price. For every gain, something must be sacrificed.
Everything has a price.
Pandora-curiosity is not always a good thing. Things that seem
lovely (or a good idea) can be devastating. Hope can save man
from all evils.