

There are actually two working definitions of motif: one that defines motif as a special kind of symbol, and one that draws a greater distinction between the two terms.Because motifs are so effective in communicating and emphasizing the main themes of a work, they're common in political speeches as well as in literature.Some additional key details about motifs: The motif (in this case "darkness and light") reinforces the theme: that love is paradox. light," and that broader pattern is called a motif. All of these paired symbols fall into a broader pattern of "dark vs. As part of developing this theme, Shakespeare describes the experience of love by pairing contradictory, opposite symbols next to each other throughout the play, such as night and day, moon and sun, crows and swans. For example, one of the central themes in Romeo and Julietis that love is a paradox containing many contradictions. Motifs, which are often collections of related symbols, help develop the central themes of a book or play. What is a motif? Here’s a quick and simple definition:Ī motif is an element or idea that recurs throughout a work of literature.
