THEMATIC ROLES
Thematic Role
Description
Example
AGENT
the one who performs an action
The band played.
THEME
the one or thing that undergoes an action
John kissed Mary.
LOCATION
the place where an action happens
It rains a lot in England.
GOAL
the place to which an action is directed
Drive the car into garage.
SOURCE
the place from which an action originates
We traveled from Warsaw to Glasgow.
INSTRUMENT
the means by which an action is performed
He killed the fly with a newspaper.
EXPERIENCER
one who perceives something
Sue saw John kissing Mary.
CAUSATIVE
a natural force that causes a change
The wind broke a tree.
POSSESSOR
one who has something
The ear of the cat was white.
METONYMY:
1. body organ for a person
The head of the family is responsible for providing it with food.
2. whole for part
John filled up the car.
3. part for whole
Get your butt over here.
4. institution for the people working there
The Senate thinks that abortion is illegal.
5. place for institution
The White House is not saying everything.
6. producer for product
I am reading Sienkiewicz at the moment.
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