3. What is Motif
A motif is a repeated pattern an image ,
Sound, word, symbol that comes back again and again within a
particular story.
4. Importance of Motif
A motif is important because it allows
one to see main points and themes that
the author is trying to express, in order
that one might be able to interpret the
work more accurately.
• It is visible in nature.
• Repetition of words.
• Phrase can represent theme.
5. Purpose of Motif
A motif highlights something about a character, to help us
understand them better, or it can help to establish the mood of the
story. Often, motifs reinforce the themes of the story. Just like any
other literary device, writers can use motifs to add depth, convey
meaning or shape the way a reader receives, responds to or
understands a text. They are, however, by no means essential and
should only be used if they can be integrated naturally within the
narrative without distorting the plot or characterisation. Motif must
be related to the central idea of the work, and they always end up
reinforcing the author's overall message.
6. Pride and prejudice by Jane Austen
Story: Pride and Prejudice follows the turbulent relationship between Elizabeth
Bennet, the daughter of a country gentleman, and Fitzwilliam Darcy, a rich
aristocratic landowner.
Motifs: Courtship and Journey
Hamlet by William Shakespeare
Story: Tormented by grief, a young man hunts for the truth to avenge his
dead father.
Motifs: Death , Ears and sexuality
Harry Potter by J.K Rowling
Story: A young boy goes to wizarding school, makes friends, and tries to
defeat an evil wizard.
Motifs: Scar (destiny and the power of love), "muggle-born" vs.
"purebloods" (racism and tolerance).
7. The typewriter:
Throughout a novel, the main character considers buying a typewriter but decides against
it, as they are too expensive or old-fashioned. Deep-down she wants one, as she has
always dreamed of being a writer. The typewriter emphasizes the theme of avoidance and
the protagonist’s temptation to pursue a different career.
Example 2
Bad weather:
Throughout a story, there is surprisingly bad weather—snow, freezing rain, and even a
tornado. These weather conditions further emphasize the larger theme of nature’s power
over humans.
Example 3
A tuxedo:
Throughout a poem, a man wears a tuxedo for a variety of occasions: his wedding, his
father’s funeral, and his own daughter’s wedding. The tuxedo becomes a symbol of his
changing duties as a husband, son, and father as he ages.
8. Theme VS Motif
Theme and Motif are two literary notions
that many people often confuse. A theme
is the main idea or the central message
conveyed through a literary work. Motif is
a recurrent idea, image, or element,
having a symbolic value.
Example
•Love is a key theme in Romeo and
Juliet by William Shakespeare. Roses are
a motif related to love throughout the
play, as are the many conversations on
love throughout the work.
9. Symbol and Motif
A symbol is a sign, shape or
object used to represent an idea
,while a motif is an idea used
many times in a piece of
writing. Example
A symbol is the cross. It is used to
symbolize Christianity, the religion
which is based on the teachings of
Jesus Christ who was crucified. The
cross is also used to remind
Christians about how Christ suffered
in order to save them.
