What is a Motif?
A motif is a symbolic image or idea that appears
frequently in a story. Motifs can be symbols,
sounds, actions, ideas, or words. Motifs
strengthen a story by adding images and ideas
to the theme present throughout the narrative.
Etymology:
The word motif (pronounced moh-teef) is
derived from the French phrase motif meaning
“pattern.”
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Examples of Motif
Example 1
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.
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Examples of Motif
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.
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Examples of Motif
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.
As can be seen from these examples, motifs by
definition are repetitive throughout a narrative, to
emphasize larger themes and ideas.
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Why Motif is Important
Whereas themes hover above a story as ideas, motifs dive
into prose and poetry with clear and repetitive images,
ideas, and symbols throughout. In their repetition, motifs
emphasize what is most important about a story.
Motifs provide compositions with a traceable pattern: if a
red dress or the idea of guilt or even a song continues
appearing throughout a narrative, chances are, it means
something. Motifs allow authors, writers, and directors to
create a more poetic and structured narrative, cluing in
readers and audiences to symbols of larger ideas. Motifs
are partners to themes, as repetitive images and symbols
emphasize the overarching themes of the work.
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