Relationships between ideas can be confusing. Understanding that there are really only 5 key relationships any two ideas can have to one another helps us   better recognize and express these relationships between ideas.

---

Parallel

Ideas or events that are similar and can be compared.
For Example:

• Marvel's Quicksilver and DC's the Flash are both super-speedsters. 
• Jack and his savages hunting Ralph in Lord of the Flies and Baron Zaroff hunting Rainsford in "The Most Dangerous Game" are both examples of humans becoming savages who prey on others.

Paradox

The contradictory elements in an idea or event.

• According to Shakespeare, "Parting is such sweet sorrow"
• Darth Vader is the universe's greatest villain because he brings down the Jedi and commits himself to evil.  However, he is also the greatest hero because he single-handedly destroys the Sith Emperor in order to save his son, Luke.

Origin

The beginning, root, or source of an idea or event.

• ​The idea for Martin Luther King Jr's march to Washington didn't begin in the US. The seed started across the globe in 1930 when Mahatma Gandhi led the Indian people to peacefully resist British Rule.

Contribution

The significant part or result of an idea or event.

• Yes, Hitler was evil.  Yes, the Nazi party took more and more land in Europe, but the U.S.' eventual involvement in World War II wouldn't have happened if it weren't for the sinking of the Lusitania.

Convergence

The coming together or meeting point of ideas or events.

• Arriving at the Theme of any narrative requires the reader to consider how the Setting, Characters, and Plot come together.