5 Common Literary Motifs

Motif, symbol, and theme: Do you know the difference between these three literary terms? Because of the interdependence of these devices, people often use them interchangeably—and incorrectly. It’s usually easy to understand what a symbol is: an image that represents a larger, more abstract idea, the way a flag represents a country or a dove represents peace. Theme isn’t terribly difficult to understand, either; the theme is “big idea” of the story or the life experience the author is trying to convey to the reader. Friendship, love, loss, revenge, and mercy are just a few of a long list of possible literary themes.

So, how does motif fit in? Here’s where students (and adults) become confused. A motif is a meaningful pattern of symbols, character types, actions, or events that reinforce the theme. A motif is not the theme, but it paints a picture of the theme for the reader to discover. A symbol by itself is not a motif—however, if the symbol repeats throughout the work, it may be a motif.

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