​1.Reread “Ripe Figs.”
2. While you read, make a minimum of 3 entries in your double entry journal.

Topic: someone or something that people talk or write about    Synonyms:  subject matter, content

Theme: the underlying message or big idea of a talk, book, film, or other work Synonyms:  message, purpose, essence, lesson

​Write the following definitions on the back of your “Ripe Figs” story sheet:

Themes in "Ripe Figs" by Kate Chopin

THEME 1: Patience and Natural Timing 

True wisdom comes from accepting that growth and change happen according to natural rhythms, not human desire; patience means trusting the process.

THEME 2: Generational Learning and Wisdom 

Older generations teach younger ones life lessons through experience and example; wisdom is passed down through patient guidance rather than direct instruction.

🔎Notice these themes are related but distinct. They both emerge from the same story events but focus on different aspects of human experience.

• Figurative Language: Language that goes beyond literal meaning to create effect

  • Simile: Comparison using "like" or "as"

  • Metaphor: Direct comparison without "like/as"

  • Personification: Giving human qualities to non-human things

• Symbolism: When an object, character, or event represents something beyond its literal meaning

​Write the following definitions on the back of your “Ripe Figs” story sheet:

​"Maman-Nainaine was as patient as the statue of la Madone"


This is a SIMILE—notice the 'as...as' structure comparing Maman-Nainaine to a statue of the Madonna.


Literal meaning: She's very patient


Figurative meaning: Statue = unmoving, unchanging, serene La Madone


(Madonna/Mary) = holy, sacred patience, spiritual grace

The comparison suggests Maman's patience is: Absolute and unwavering (like stone) Almost divine or saintly Calm and peaceful Enduring through time

​How it contributes to meaning: This simile elevates Maman-Nainaine's patience from mere personality trait to something spiritual and admirable. It creates contrast with Babette's restlessness and suggests that this kind of patience is rare and valuable—almost sacred. The religious imagery connects patience to virtue and wisdom.

​The Ripe Figs "The figs are literal objects in the story, BUT they also function as SYMBOLS—they represent something beyond themselves.

Literal level: Figs are fruit that ripen over time

Symbolic level: Natural timing/cycles: Can't be rushed, follow nature's schedule Maturity/readiness: Just as figs need time to ripen, people need time to mature

Patience rewarded: When naturally ready, they're sweet and worth waiting for


Life stages: Young figs (Babette's youth) → Ripe figs (readiness/maturity)

Tricks to remember for identifying themes:

• Think about what the main character (protagonist) learned.

  • ie. Babette learned that it is important to be patient.

• Themes are often repeated throughout a text.

  • ie. In Frederick Douglass, he talked about the importance of education for freedom throughout the text.

• Think about the purpose and main idea.

  • What might the author be trying to make readers think about?