MOTIFS

Motifs A recurring image, word, phrase, or action that tend to create unity within a literary work. Sometimes the motif helps to create the theme in literature A motif differs from a theme in that it can be expressed as a single word or fragmentary phrase, while a theme usually must be expressed as a complete sentence.

Below is a short list of common literary motifs…there are sooo many more! Clothing Seasons Colors Death Supernatural Adversaries Extraordinary Animals Wishes Magical Objects Magical Powers Deep Sleeps Witches Trickery Illness Consequences of Greed Flowers/plants Beautiful Princess  Foolish or Dimwitted Hero

Examples of Motifs Little Red Riding Hood could be deception. The Three Little Pigs is sturdiness, since one major lesson in this book is to use sturdy building materials. Romeo compares Juliet to light throughout the play. Like their love, darkness is associated with mystery, emotion, and imagination. Motif could be light and darkness Motif in “To Kill a Mockingbird” is the mockingbird.